Zidanta I Explained

Zidanta I was a king of the Hittites (Old Kingdom), ruling for 10 years, ca. 1560–1550 BC (middle chronology)^[3] or 1496–1486 BC (short chronology timeline). According to the Telepinu Proclamation, this king became a ruler by murder.^{[4] [5]}

Family

Zidanta was married to the daughter of Hantili, brother-in-law to King Mursili I.^[6]

It is known that his wife’s name ends with either -ša or -ta.

Prior to Kingship

The Royal Coup

Zidanta encouraged and helped Hantili to kill Mursili and seize the throne.^[7] He then served Hantili I for the duration of his reign.

Usurpation of the Throne

At the end of Hantili’s life, Zidanta killed Pišeni, the legitimate heir, together with Pišeni’s children and foremost servants, and so made it possible for himself to become king.

Reign

His reign is thought to have lasted about 10 years around 1560-1550 BC (middle chronology).

Assassination

Zidanta was killed by his own son, Ammuna, who then succeeded him.

External links

• Reign of Zidanta I

Notes and References

1. https://books.google.com/books?id=RtMSrGe8MY0C&dq=Harapsili&pg=PA34 Hittite Studies in Honor of Harry A. Hoffner, Jr. by Harry A. Hoffner, Gary M. Beckman, Richard Henry Beal, John Gregory McMahon
2. Waltraud Sperlich: Die Hethiter, Das vergessene Volk, Jan Thorbecke Verlag GmbH, Ostfildern
3. Book: Kuhrt, Amélie . The Ancient Near East: c.3000–330 BC, Volume One . 2020 . Routledge . 978-1-136-75548-4 . 230 . en.
4. Edict of Telepinu, §18
5. The Kingdom of the Hittites by Trevor Bryce
6. Telepinu Proclamation, §13
7. http://www.hittites.info/history.aspx?text=history%2fEarly+Empire.htm#Mursili1 Reign of Mursili I