Hittite tablet discovered in Türkiye’s Kirikkale’s reveals secrets from past
Japanese archaeologist Dr. Kimiyoshi Matsumura at the Buklukale site in Kirikkale, Türkiye, June 18, 2024. (AA Photo)
Dr. Kimiyoshi Matsumura, a Japanese archaeologist, and his team from the Japanese Anatolian Archaeology Institute discovered a 3,300-year-old clay tablet from the Hittite Empire, providing valuable insights into the religious practices of the Hittite royal family in Kirikkale’s Karakecili district.
The excavation site, Buklukale, has been under exploration for 15 years. The site consists of two distinct archaeological areas known as “Lower City” and “Upper City.” Dr. Matsumura and his team have discovered various historical artifacts, with the latest find being particularly noteworthy.
The newly discovered tablet is inscribed in both Hittite and Hurrian languages. It details religious ceremonies performed by the Hittite king and queen, revealing important aspects of their spiritual life.
This tablet is unique as Hurrian-scripted tablets have only been found in three other locations in Anatolia: Bogazkoy, Ortakoy (Corum) and Kayalipinar (Sivas).
Dr. Matsumura detailed the significance of the find: “The presence of a Hurrian-scripted tablet here suggests that the Hittite king and queen conducted religious ceremonies at Buklukale.
This indicates the site was a place of considerable importance, potentially even a temporary residence for the royal family.”
The tablet also mentions a catastrophic foreign invasion of the Hittite Empire and refers to Arzava King Tarhuntarado.
This name had previously been identified on tablets found in Amarna, Egypt, dating back to the 1890s. The Amarna letters detail diplomatic correspondences and significant historical events, including the invasion of Bogazkoy.
Dr. Matsumura explained, “Finding Tarhuntarado’s name here is surprising. It was also found in Amarna, associated with a letter from Amenhotep III to the Arzava king discussing an invasion and the strengthening of diplomatic ties through marriage.”
Another intriguing aspect of the discovery is the mention of Katapa, a city previously known only from a Hurrian-scripted prayer found elsewhere. The reason for Katapa’s name appearing on the Buklukale tablet remains a mystery.
“Understanding why Katapa is mentioned here is a major puzzle. It suggests there are still many secrets to uncover about Buklukale’s role and significance in the Hittite Empire,” Dr. Matsumura stated.
This discovery confirms Buklukale’s strategic importance and its connection to the Hittite royal family. The continued exploration of this site promises to reveal further insights into the ancient civilization that once thrived here.
The excavation at Buklukale continues to be a critical project in understanding the complexities of the Hittite Empire and its interactions with neighboring regions.
Dr. Matsumura and his team are committed to uncovering more about this ancient city’s history and its pivotal role in the region’s historical narrative.
