Suppiluliumas I
Suppiluliumas I was a significant ruler of the Hittite Empire, known for his military and diplomatic strategies that expanded its territory during the 14th century BCE. He initially gained prominence while serving under his father, Tudhaliyas II, and later rose to power after a civil conflict with his brother. Once in control, Suppiluliumas focused on confronting the Mitanni kingdom, notably targeting Isuwa as a key strategic area. Through diplomatic maneuvers, including securing assurances from the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaton and marrying into the Kassite royal family, he successfully isolated the Mitanni politically before launching a military campaign that resulted in Hittite dominance over the region. His reign also saw the conquest of Egyptian-held Kadesh and intrigue involving the widow of Tutankhamen, which ultimately ended in tragedy. Suppiluliumas I's legacy includes the establishment of a system of client-kings and viceroys that helped administer the vast Hittite Empire, influencing future empires in governance and territorial organization. His unexpected death from a plague, allegedly brought by Egyptian captives, marked a significant turning point in Hittite-Egyptian relations.
Suppiluliumas I
Related civilizations: Hittites, Egypt, Mitanni
Major role/position: Military leader
Life
Suppiluliumas I (suh-pihl-ew-LEE-oo-mahs) first made a name for himself in the service of his father, Tudhaliyas II, campaigning against the neighboring Mitanni and rebellious elements within the kingdom of Hatti. Later, Suppiluliumas seized power after a prolonged civil war with his brother.
After coming to power, Suppiluliumas turned his attention to his Mitanni rivals. Of particular interest was the land of Isuwa, the gateway to the Mitanni kingdom. Before he could proceed, he had to isolate the Mitanni diplomatically. After assuring Akhenaton, the Egyptian pharaoh, that he would not encroach on Egyptian territories, Suppiluliumas married a princess of the Kassite ruling family to ensure the noninterference of the Babylonians.
Soon after, Suppiluliumas defeated the Mitanni militarily and overran their possessions. Egyptian-held Kadesh also fell victim to Hittite expansion. Later in life, he received a marriage alliance offer for one of his sons from the widow of Tutankhamen. Zannanza, the chosen prince, was murdered en route, increasing Egyptian-Hittite tensions. While preparing to attack Egyptian possessions, Suppiluliumas died of a plague carried by Egyptian prisoners.
Influence
The architect of the Hittite Empire, Suppiluliumas extended the reach of his land from Assyria to Egypt. His system of client-kings and viceroys served as an administrative body for the empire and a template for later empires.
Bibliography
Bryce, Trevor. The Kingdom of the Hittites. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.
Macqueen, J. G. The Hittites and Their Contemporaries in Asia Minor. 2d ed. London: Thames and Hudson, 1986.