Between Nephews and Sons: An Analysis of Royal Succession in the Old Hittite Period

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Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)

Schön, Mara Elif (2025)

Between Nephews and Sons: An Analysis of Royal Succession in the Old Hittite Period

Research master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)

This thesis investigates the royal succession system during the Old Hittite period, particularly questioning whether an avunculate succession system, where the throne passed to the king’s sister’s son rather than his own son, was practiced. It analyzes two central texts: the Testament of Ḫattušili and the Edict of Telipinu. Through a detailed philological examination of these texts, alongside anthropological perspectives and comparative examples from other societies, the thesis evaluates arguments for and against the existence of an avunculate succession model. The findings suggest that while isolated cases might align with avunculate principles, insufficient textual evidence prevents confirmation of a systematically practiced avunculate succession. Rather, the thesis concludes that succession during this period was irregular and influenced significantly by political shifts and personal rivalries within the royal family.

Old Hittite Period

avunculate succession

royal succession

Testament of Ḫattušili

Edict of Telipinu

Hittite kinship terminology