Tudḫaliya IV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tudhaliya IV |
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Depiction of Tudhaliya IV on a relief
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| King of the Hittites | |
| Reign | c. 1245–1215 BC |
| Predecessor | Hattusili III |
| Successor | Arnuwanda III |
| Issue | Arnuwanda III Suppiluliuma II |
| Father | Hattusili III |
| Mother | Puduhepa |
| Religion | Hittite religion |
Tudhaliya IV was a powerful king of the Hittite Empire, an ancient kingdom that existed a very long time ago. He was the younger son of King Hattusili III. Tudhaliya ruled from about 1245 BC to 1215 BC. His mother was the famous queen, Puduhepa.
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The Life of King Tudhaliya IV
Tudhaliya was probably born in Hattusa, the capital city of the Hittite Empire. This was after his older brother, Nerikkaili, who was expected to become king. At that time, his father was helping to rule for his uncle, Muwatalli II.
Tudhaliya was good friends with Kurunta, who was Muwatalli II's son. His father, King Hattusili, wanted them to always stay friends.
Becoming King
King Hattusili made a special agreement with Kurunta, confirming that Kurunta would rule over a place called Tarhuntassa. After this, Hattusili chose Tudhaliya to be the next king, even though Tudhaliya was younger than his brother.
When Tudhaliya became king, he made a bronze tablet treaty. This tablet confirmed the strong friendship and agreements between him and Kurunta.
Building Projects and Challenges
During Tudhaliya's time as king, there was a very serious drought. To help his people, he ordered the building of 13 dams. These dams collected and stored water. One of these ancient dams can still be seen today at Alacahöyük.
Tudhaliya's reign also saw some difficult times. He faced a big defeat in a battle called the Battle of Nihriya. This battle was against Tukulti-Ninurta I, the king of Assyria, around 1237 BC.
Family and the End of an Empire
Tudhaliya had a sister who became Queen Maathorneferure of Egypt. He also had two sons. These sons were the last two kings of the Hittites. After their rule, the Hittite Empire eventually fell apart. This happened during a time known as the Bronze Age collapse, possibly because of groups of people called the Sea People.
See also
