Moving the headquarters of the capital to the south and its impact on the division of the Hittite Kingdom

Abstract

Abstract:

       Given the importance of the step taken by Muwatalli II, which was relocating the capital from the north (Hattusa) to the south (Tarhuntassa), this study aims to conduct a focused historical analysis on this significant move, which encompasses two main aspects: Firstly, a religious reform aimed at appeasing the southern deities that had been neglected during the reign of his father, Mursili II. Muwatalli introduced a new deity, his personal god, the Storm God. This reform was met with acceptance by some and rejection by others. Secondly, it was a precautionary political measure before the most significant event of his reign, the Battle of Kadesh.

Despite the geographical importance of the capital, Hattusa, and its protection by natural borders, its climate was unfavorable, and its natural borders did not prevent the Kaska from storming and rebelling. Among the religious changes he made to appease the gods was his relocation from the capital, Hattusa, which had previously been declared a cursed site, to a new location. This was an attempt to appease the southern deities who had been neglected under his father's reign. The environmental conditions were harsh, as snow isolated the capital, Hattusa, from the rest of the kingdom. This negatively impacted life, both in terms of preparedness to confront enemies and in terms of livelihood, as the kingdom relied on agricultural products, which were unavailable due to the extreme temperature fluctuations.