Ongoing excavations in the village of Kayalıpınar, located in Turkey’s Sivas province, have unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts, including a discovery that could significantly alter our understanding of the Hittite world.
The Hittites, renowned for their military prowess and diplomatic skill, dominated Anatolia from roughly 1600 to 1180 BC. One of their most prominent rulers, King Hattusili III, reigned from 1267 to 1237 BC. His legacy is marked by the epic Battle of Kadesh and the subsequent Kadesh Peace Treaty with Egypt, a testament to his strategic brilliance.
The Kayalıpınar excavations, led by Dr. Çigdem Maner, Associate Professor at Koç University’s Department of Archeology and Art History, began in 2004. Epigraphic finds hinted at the site’s significance as a Hittite city during the empire’s Imperial period. This year’s findings, however, surpassed all expectations.
Maner’s team, collaborating with international experts, unearthed a remarkable collection of artifacts that paint a vivid picture of life in Kayalıpınar during the Hittite era. Among the most significant discoveries are seal impressions – clay imprints used for authentication and record-keeping. These impressions depict King Hattusili III himself, his wife Puduhepa, their children, and even princes. Notably, a seal belonging to the crown prince, Nerikaili, was also identified.
The sheer volume and variety of these seals, found in a burnt building, suggest the presence of a royal archive – a repository of vital documents and administrative records. “We believe we have uncovered a very significant Hittite imperial archive in Kayalıpınar,” Dr. Maner exclaims.
Beyond the seals, the excavations yielded fragments of cuneiform tablets containing festival inscriptions and fortune-telling texts. These offer valuable insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the Hittite people.
The team’s efforts haven’t just unearthed administrative structures; they’ve also sparked the search for religious sites. “Most of the inscriptions are religious texts,” Dr. Maner explains, “so uncovering temples is a key objective for future endeavors.” Intriguingly, the name of King Hattusili III was found inscribed on a ceramic vessel from one of the newly discovered structures, fueling hope that a temple complex may be unearthed.
The discovery of a burnt layer containing the seal impressions has led researchers to believe that these vital documents were originally attached to wooden tablets using strings. While the tablets themselves succumbed to fire, the clay seals remained remarkably intact.
This ongoing excavation in Kayalıpınar is not just unearthing artifacts; it’s rewriting history. The sheer volume and variety of finds point towards a previously unknown Hittite Imperial archive, offering a window into the administrative heart of the empire. As Dr. Maner concludes, “We are very excited” – and with good reason. The secrets of the Hittites are being unveiled, one remarkable discovery at a time.