Pithana

Pithana (Pythanas)[1] was a Bronze Age king of the Anatolian city of Kussara, and forerunner of the later Hittite dynasty.[2]

Pithana
OccupationKing of Kussara
ChildrenAnitta
Parent(s)unknown

Pithana reigned during the 18th century BC (Middle chronology). During his reign he conquered the city of Kanesh,[3] heart of the Assyrian trading colonies network in Anatolia, and core of the Hittite-speaking territories.

The seal of an agricultural official Ilī-Samas has been discovered with several texts at Tell al-Rimah. The seal describes Ilī-Samas as being a servant of a name that may be Pithana, which could correspond to King Pithana of Kussara. If so, the seal is dated to approximately year 20 of King Samsu-iluna of Babylon (c. 1730 BC Middle chronology or c. 1666 BC Short chronology).[4]

He was succeeded by his son, Anitta, who is best known for conquering Hattusa, the future Hittite capital, and memorializing his achievement using the Hittite language.

See also

References
  1. Fortson, Benjamin W., IV (2004), Indo-European Language and Culture, Blackwell Publishing, ISBN 1-4051-0316-7
  2. Kuhrt, Amélie (1995). The Ancient Near East, Volume I. London and New York: Routledge. p. 226. ISBN 0-415-16763-9.
  3. Kuhrt, Amélie (1995). The Ancient Near East, Volume I. London and New York: Routledge. p. 226. ISBN 0-415-16763-9.
  4. Lacambre, Denis; Nahm, Werner (2015). "Pithana, an Anatolian ruler in the time of Samsuiluna of Babylon: New data from Tell Rimah (Iraq)". Revue d'Assyriologie et d'archéologie orientale. Presses Universitaires de France. 109. ISSN 0373-6032. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
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