Synopsis:  In the late 14th century BC, the Hittite Great King Suppiluliuma wrested Syria from the grip of the Hurrian kingdom of Mitanni.  Two of his sons would succeed him to the throne, while two others founded new dynasties in the cities of Aleppo and Carchemish.

“The Euphrates is my frontier.  In my rear, I established Mount Lebanon as my frontier.  And all of the cities of the land of Carchemish – these fortified cities – I gave to Piyassili, my son… Since Prince Piyassili crossed the Euphrates with Prince Shattiwaza and penetrated to the city of Irrite, all the cities on the west bank which Piyassili my son holds, these belong to Piyassili.” – The Suppiluliuma-Shattiwaza Treaty

“The gods ran before my father, namely the Sun Goddess of Arinna, the Storm God of Hatti, the Storm God of the Army Camp, and Ishtar of the Field.  He conquered the enemy.” – Mursili, The Deeds of Suppiluliuma I

Map of the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/LBA_Hittite_Map.jpg

The Hittite Royal Family:

https://audio.ancientworldpodcast.com/LBA_Hittite_Family_Tree.jpg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices