Who is attributed with the earliest building codes around 2000 BC?

The attribution of the earliest building codes around 2000 BC is commonly linked to King Hammurabi of Babylon. Hammurabi is well-known for his comprehensive legal code, which included regulations governing various aspects of life, including construction standards and building practices. His code aimed to ensure safety and accountability, specifically addressing issues like building integrity and the liability of builders in the event of structural failures.

The significance of Hammurabi's codes lies in their systematic approach to law and order within society, whereby regulations related to construction were part of a broader legal framework that established consequences for negligence and supported public safety. This historical context emphasizes the foundational role Hammurabi played in the evolution of building codes and the concept of regulated construction practices. By establishing these early codes, he set a precedent for future building regulations that would continue to develop over the centuries.

The other figures mentioned, while notable in their own right, do not have historical connections to building codes as substantial or well-documented as Hammurabi's. This distinction highlights why Hammurabi is recognized as a pivotal figure in the early establishment of building regulations.