Zidanta I was a king of the Hittites (Old Kingdom), ruling for 10 years, ca. 1560–1550 BC (middle chronology)[3] or 1496–1486 BC (short chronology timeline). According to the Telepinu Proclamation, this king became a ruler by murder.[4][5]

Zidanta I
PredecessorHantili I
SuccessorAmmuna
Spouse(s)[...]ša/ta, daughter of Hantili I[1]
ChildrenKing Ammuna[2]
RelativesHuzziya I (grandson)

Family

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Zidanta was married to the daughter of Hantili, brother-in-law to King Mursili I.[6]

It is known that his wife’s name ends with either -ša or -ta.

Prior to Kingship

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The Royal Coup

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Zidanta encouraged and helped Hantili to kill Mursili and seize the throne.[7] He then served Hantili I for the duration of his reign.

Usurpation of the Throne

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At the end of Hantili’s life, Zidanta killed Pišeni, the legitimate heir, together with Pišeni’s children and foremost servants, and so made it possible for himself to become king.

Reign

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His reign is thought to have lasted about 10 years around 1560-1550 BC (middle chronology).

Assassination

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Zidanta was killed by his own son, Ammuna, who then succeeded him.

Notes

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  1. ^ Hittite Studies in Honor of Harry A. Hoffner, Jr. by Harry A. Hoffner, Gary M. Beckman, Richard Henry Beal, John Gregory McMahon
  2. ^ Waltraud Sperlich: Die Hethiter, Das vergessene Volk, Jan Thorbecke Verlag GmbH, Ostfildern
  3. ^ Kuhrt, Amélie (2020). The Ancient Near East: c.3000–330 BC, Volume One. Routledge. p. 230. ISBN 978-1-136-75548-4.
  4. ^ Edict of Telepinu, §18
  5. ^ The Kingdom of the Hittites by Trevor Bryce
  6. ^ Telepinu Proclamation, §13
  7. ^ Reign of Mursili I Archived May 17, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
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Preceded by Hittite king
ca. 1560–1550 BC
Succeeded by