Fragment of oldest known peace treaty found in Turkey
Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a new cuneiform tablet fragment of the 3,400-year-old Treaty of Kadesh, detailing refugee extradition and protection clauses.
summary is enough The news summary covers the core discovery, but the comment thread offers rich historical context on ancient geopolitics and diplomacy.
summary
Archaeologists excavating the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusha found a cuneiform fragment of the Treaty of Kadesh, the oldest known peace treaty signed around 1269 B.C. between Egypt and the Hittite Empire. This newly discovered section outlines the handling of refugees, explicitly forbidding mutilation or destruction of property upon return. The treaty lasted until the Hittite Empire collapsed decades later amid the Late Bronze Age disruptions. Commenters add depth by exploring earlier treaties and the political motivations behind extradition clauses.
key points
- The fragment was unearthed in Hattusha, Turkey, and contains text regarding refugee treatment and protection from physical mutilation.
- The Treaty of Kadesh was originally signed around 1269 B.C. by Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II and Hittite king Hattusili III.
- Commenters point out that the extradition clauses likely targeted Mursili III, the deposed Hittite king who sought exile in Egypt.
who should read it
Readers interested in ancient history, archaeology, and historical geopolitics.
discussion positive
consensus
Commenters observe that the treaty effectively lasted until the Hittite empire collapsed roughly 80 years later during the Late Bronze Age.
Number 4 is particularly interesting. Before Hattusili, the Hittite empire was ruled by his nephew, Mursili III. He was deposed by his uncle and exiled, first to Syria then to Egypt. He posed a great threat to Hattusili's rule, so of course the treaty had to include an extradition clause.
Provides crucial historical context explaining that the treaty's extradition clause likely targeted the king's ousted and exiled nephew, Mursili III.
Generated by an LLM from the article and thread. Check the sources before relying on it.