Kuningas Hattušili I testament

Abstract

From the Hittite kingdom in the Anatolian peninsula of the II millennium, the first known Indo-European-ruled political entity, the so-called bilingual testament of Hattušili I (ca. 1650–1620 BC) has long fascinated modern scholars. This article offers a translation of the original Hittite text into Estonian. The testament describes the turbulent political situation of the state’s earlier period, filled with the king’s unruly family members and many rebellions. Seemingly on his deathbed, King Hattušili I proclaimed that instead of the young Labarna, the previously designated heir, a new candidate – Muršili – would take his place, due to the former’s unkind nature. Labarna had not been the first to oppose Hattušili. His daughter and son had also done that, revolting against their father. The numerous problems related to inheriting the kingship in the early period of Hittite history have also prompted an ongoing discussion about the succession principles in Hittite society. Concerning the literary value, the testament is a masterpiece that incorporates historical exempla, metaphors, similes, direct speech, and rhetorical questions to enforce the king’s arguments and to persuade his audience – the upper echelons of the Hittite society. Despite its name, the testament seems to have more didactical than juridical purposes, as the king offers many instructions to his new heir – to be kind, abstemious, pious and, first and foremost, he orders to heed his wisdom and his will. The ones around the new designee are exhorted to be united and supportive to Muršili. As such, the text can be compared to some other proto-Fürstenspiegels, like “The Teaching for King Merikare” form Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, but it also bears parallels to Gen 49. All in all, the testament is a remarkable insight into Hittite history and society.