Mursili I facts for kids

Mursili I was a powerful king of the Hittites, an ancient people who lived in what is now modern-day Turkey. He ruled from around 1620 BC to 1590 BC. Mursili I was probably the grandson of the previous king, Hattusili I. His sister was named Ḫarapšili, and his wife was Queen Kali. He is remembered for his bold military campaigns, especially his long march to attack the city of Babylon.

Becoming King

Mursili became king when he was still very young. Once he grew up, he decided to continue the military efforts started by his grandfather, Hattusili I. He focused on expanding the Hittite kingdom into northern Syria.

Great Military Campaigns

Conquering Yamhad and Aleppo

King Mursili I successfully conquered the kingdom of Yamhad. This included its capital city, Aleppo, which his grandfather Hattusili I had not been able to capture. After this victory, Mursili I led his army on an amazing journey. They marched about 2,000 kilometers (about 1,240 miles) south. This long march took them deep into Mesopotamia, a region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The Attack on Babylon

In 1595 BC, Mursili I's army reached and attacked the famous city of Babylon. This was a very surprising attack because Babylon was so far from the Hittite homeland. Historians are not completely sure why Mursili I decided to attack Babylon. One idea is that he might have needed grain because a big volcanic eruption, called the Thera eruption, had made it harder for the Hittites to grow their own food.

The attack on Babylon was not meant to make Babylon part of the Hittite Empire. It was too far away to control. However, this raid had a huge impact. It ended the rule of the Amorite kings in Babylon, including the family of the famous king Hammurabi. This allowed another group, the Kassites, to take control of Babylon. Some historians think Mursili I might have worked with the Kassites, or perhaps he just wanted to achieve something even greater than his grandfather's military successes.

End of His Reign

After his incredible journey and the attack on Babylon, Mursili I returned to his kingdom. Sadly, he was assassinated by a group of people. This group was led by his brother-in-law, Hantili I, who then became the next king. Hantili I's son-in-law, Zidanta I, was also part of the plot. Mursili I's death led to a time of trouble and less stable rule in the Hittite kingdom. Many of the lands he had conquered in Syria were lost during this period.

See also

In Spanish: Mursili I para niños

• History of the Hittites