Muwatallis
Muwatallis was a prominent king of the Hittite Empire, ascending to the throne after the death of his father, Mursilis II. His reign is particularly noted for the significant military confrontation with Pharaoh Ramses II at the Battle of Kadesh, which took place on the Orontes River. This battle, one of the largest in ancient history, was marked by a tactical maneuver where Muwatallis employed Hittite allies disguised as deserters to ambush Egyptian forces, leading to a fierce conflict that ended inconclusively. Despite the battle's outcome, Muwatallis successfully curtailed Egyptian expansion into Syria and Palestine, although it did not result in major Hittite territorial gains.
In addition to his military endeavors, Muwatallis was engaged in conflicts with the Kaska tribes to the north, with much of this fighting directed by his brother, Hattusilis III. Muwatallis also contributed to Hittite religious life by writing prayers to the Sun god, Ishtanu. His reign concluded with the succession of his son Urhi-Teshub, also known as Mursilis III, followed by Hattusilis III. Overall, while Muwatallis’s domestic achievements were significant, they are often overshadowed by his military struggles against the Egyptians.
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Muwatallis
Related civilizations: Hittites, Pharaonic Egypt, Hurrians
Major role/position: Statesman
Life
Muwatallis (mew-wah-TAL-uhs) was the second of four sons of the Hittite king Mursilis II (d. 1306) and ascended the throne upon his father’s death. His predecessors had exercised their sway over northern Syria without being challenged by Egypt. However, Pharaoh Ramses II marched his army north to Kadesh on the Orontes River. The Amorite chieftain Benteshina defected to Ramses’ side. Muwatallis worked out a stratagem to slow the Egyptian advance. A group of Hittite allies pretending to be deserters seeking sanctuary with Ramses ambushed the pharaoh. The Hittite chariots swept in, bearing two men each and overpowering the Egyptian infantry. Ramses eventually rallied his forces and saved the Egyptians from complete defeat at the Battle of Kadesh. Benteshina again pledged fealty to the Hittites.
Kadesh was one of the most massive battles of the ancient world and one of the most inconclusive. Although it stemmed the tide of Egyptian conquest in Syria/Palestine, it did not lead to any large-scale Hittite expansion. Muwatallis also warred against the Kaska tribes to the north; much of this fighting was actually led by his brother Hattusilis III, who served as viceroy. Muwatallis wrote or at least publicized prayers to the Hittite Sun god, Ishtanu. Muwatallis was succeeded by his son Urhi-Teshub (Mursilis III), and eventually by Hattusilis III.
Influence
Muwatallis’s domestic achievements are overshadowed by his fighting the great Egyptian pharaoh to a draw at Kadesh. This prevented the Egyptians from controlling Syria.
Bibliography
Bryce, Trevor. The Kingdom of the Hittites. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.
Redford, Donald. Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1992.