What tools were used to create the stele of Hammurabi?

The Stele of Hammurabi was carved from a single block of black diorite using various stonemasons' tools, primarily bronze chisels, hammers, and abrasives. The use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was significant in ancient Mesopotamia for creating durable and intricate carvings, as it was harder than pure copper. The chisels were used for chipping and shaping the stone, while the hammers assisted in removing excess material. Abrasives, such as sand or powdered minerals, were used for polishing and smoothing the carved surfaces to achieve the desired level of detail and precision.