New findings in the 3,400-year-old Hittite archive announced
The tablets, which constitute the most comprehensive Hittite archive dating back approximately 3,400 years, have brought to light unknown facts about state administration, epidemics, military developments, and divination practices.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that the findings, representing the most comprehensive Hittite archive unearthed in the 21st century, provide important information regarding state administration, epidemics, military developments, and divination practices from approximately 3,400 years ago.
Scope of the Archive and Newly Reached Artifacts
With the findings, which constitute the most comprehensive Hittite archive unearthed in the 21st century, the royal archive has reached a total of 184 tablets and fragments.
State Administration and the Life of the Royal Family
Written in Hittite and Hurrian, these documents directly carry the state administration, belief world, and experiences of the royal family from approximately 3,400 years ago to the present day.
Traces of Epidemics in Historical Documents
While the tablets bear traces of a high-fever epidemic that spread from city to city and particularly affected children and babies, the health condition, death, and funeral ritual of a sick baby princess are also included in the records.
Military Developments and Frontline Letters
A letter sent by Hittite generals in Western Anatolia to the king reveals requests for soldiers, horses, and chariots in the face of enemy threat, along with warnings that the army could be destroyed if aid did not arrive.
Divination Practices and Bird Diviners
Tablets recording the routes followed and observations made by bird diviners shed light on previously unknown information regarding the Hittites' divination practices.