Labarnas I
Labarnas I, reigning approximately from 1680 to 1650 BCE, is recognized as the first king of the Hittites and the founder of the Old Hittite Kingdom. His reign is noted for establishing a well-defined state, with military and political control over the region between Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean Sea, known in Hittite times as the Lower Land. Although no direct inscriptions from his time exist, historical knowledge about him comes from later records, particularly an edict by King Telipinus, which highlights Labarnas I's victories and governance. Under his rule, several cities, such as Hupisna and Tuwanuwa, were managed by his sons, indicating an organized administrative structure. His queen, Tawannannas, is mentioned, but little is known about their family. Labarnas I's legacy continued through subsequent rulers, as they adopted his name as a royal title, underscoring his enduring influence in Hittite history. He was succeeded by Labarnas II, also known as Hattusilis I, though there is no indication that he was related by blood. Overall, Labarnas I played a crucial role in shaping the foundation of Hittite civilization and governance.
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Labarnas I
Related civilization: Hittite
Major role/position: King
Life
Labarnas I (LAB-ur-nas; r. c. 1680-c.1650 b.c.e.) is considered by historians to be the first king of the Hittites and the founder of the Old Hittite Kingdom. Although in an offering list from Hattusas (modern Bogazköy, Turkey), some earlier members of the royal family are mentioned, it is not certain whether these actually ruled as kings.
No original inscription from the time of Labarnas I has survived; therefore, knowledge about him and his reign comes from an edict of the later king Telipinus, which begins with a summary account of previous rulers that places Labarnas I at the top of the list. According to this document, Labarnas I was a victorious king and able to keep the region between Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean Sea under military and political control. In Hittite times, this area was called the Lower Land. The cities Hupisna (Greek Kybistra or Cybistra), Tuwanuwa (Greek Tyana), Nenassa (Greek Nanessos?), Landa, Zallara, Purushanda, and Lusna (Greek Lystra?) were being governed by his sons. It seems that during Labarnas I’s reign, the land of the Hittites was still small, but the state was well established.
A certain Tawannannas is known as the queen of Labarnas I, but no information is available about the members of their family. Labarnas I was succeeded by Labarnas II with his throne name Hattusilis I, who apparently was no blood relation to his predecessor.
Influence
Labarnas I founded the Old Hittite Kingdom, and the later rulers of the Hittites bear the name of Labarnas I as a royal title.
Bibliography
Bryce, Trevor. The Kingdom of the Hittites. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1998.
Gurney, Oliver R. The Hittites. 2d ed. London: Penguin Books, 1990.