Ḫattušili III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hattusili III |
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Rock relief of Hattusili III
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| King of the Hittites | |
| Reign | c. 1275–1245 BC |
| Predecessor | Mursili III |
| Successor | Tudhaliya IV |
| Consort | Puduhepa |
| Issue | Tudhaliya IV Maathorneferure Kiluš-Ḫepa |
| Father | Mursili II |
| Mother | Gassulawiya |
| Religion | Hittite religion |
Hattusili III was a powerful king of the Hittite empire. He ruled from about 1275 BC to 1245 BC. His name in the Hittite language meant "from Hattusa," which was the capital city. He was an important ruler who helped the Hittite Empire become strong.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Much of what we know about Hattusili III's early life comes from a special stone tablet. This tablet was written during his time as king. It is called the Apology.
Hattusili III was the youngest of four children. His parents were Mursili II, the Hittite king, and Queen Gassulawiya. Hattusili III said that he was a very sick child. People thought he might not live to be an adult. He believed the goddess Ishtar saved his life. Because of this, he always strongly supported Ishtar.
Since he was the youngest son, Hattusili III did not become king after his father died. His older brother, Muwatalli II, became the next king.
Before becoming king, Hattusili III married Puduhepa. She was a priestess of the goddess Ishtar. Puduhepa later became a very important Hittite queen. Hattusili III and Puduhepa had three children. One of their children, Tudhaliya IV, later became king.
How Hattusili III Became King
When his brother Muwatalli II became king, Hattusili III was given an important job. He was put in charge of the northern parts of the Hittite empire. At first, there were some problems with the people living there. But Hattusili III quickly used his army to stop any trouble. He then started to conquer new lands around the northern Hittite areas.
Later, King Muwatalli II decided to move the capital city. It moved from Hattusa to Tarhuntassa. This caused some rebellions, and Hattusili III was left to deal with them. Because of his success, his brother Muwatalli II made him the King of the northern territories.
Taking the Throne
After Muwatalli II died, Hattusili III's nephew became king. His name was Urhi-Teshub. There was some debate about this. Urhi-Teshub was the son of Muwatalli's concubine, not his main wife. Even though he was a "second-rank son," Hattusili III first supported Urhi-Teshub. This was because Muwatalli II wanted Urhi-Teshub to rule. Urhi-Teshub ruled under the name Mursili III.
Soon after becoming king, Mursili III moved the capital back to Hattusa. This greatly reduced Hattusili's power. It also made his role as king of the northern territories less important. Hattusili III also lost most of his lands. He was left with only two areas, Hapkis and Nerik. When Nerik was taken from him too, Hattusili III decided to try and take the throne.
After removing Mursili III from power, Hattusili III sent him away to Syria. Hattusili III then put Muwatalli II's other son, Kurunta, in charge of Tarhuntassa. Hattusili III had raised Kurunta himself.
Hattusili III's Reign as King
As king, Hattusili III wanted to stay in touch with other rulers. He wrote many letters to kings in nearby lands. After he became king, Hattusili III started writing to the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II. This led to the first ever recorded peace treaty. It was called the Eternal Treaty, or the Treaty of Kadesh. This important agreement happened about fifteen years after a big battle called the Battle of Kadesh.
Hattusili's time as king is special because of the many letters and writings found from this period. Over two hundred letters were found at the royal palace in Hattusa. These writings, like The Apology, the Talagalawa letter, and the Arzawa letters, are very important. They are some of the only original sources we have from the Hittite empire at that time. They help us understand what life was like back then.
See also
In Spanish: Hattusili III para niños
