A Tale of Ancient Diplomacy
The Clues on Temple Walls
In the heart of Egypt, near Luxor, the walls of the Temple of Karnak and the temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II in Thebes hold a secret. Engraved upon these ancient stones are hieroglyphics describing a great battle against the “Great King of Khatti” and a peace treaty forged in its aftermath. For centuries, these inscriptions remained a mystery until Jean-François Champollion’s groundbreaking translation in the early 19th century, igniting Western fascination with Ancient Egypt.
The Hittite Connection
As scholars delved deeper, they identified the “Great King of Khatti” as the ruler of the Hittites, an ancient civilization that once dominated central Anatolia in modern-day Turkey. This discovery set the stage for a remarkable archaeological breakthrough.
Winckler’s Extraordinary Find
In 1906, German archaeologist Hugo Winckler made a stunning discovery in the ruins of Boğazkale, Turkey. Excavating the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, Winckler unearthed a treasure trove of 10,000 clay tablets documenting the Hittites’ diplomatic activities. Among these, three tablets stood out – they contained the text of a treaty that matched the inscriptions on the Egyptian temples.
Winckler immediately recognized the significance of his find, describing it as a “gift from the fairies.” The tablets provided the Hittite version of the treaty, offering a unique opportunity to compare both sides of this ancient diplomatic agreement.
The World’s First Recorded Peace Treaty
The Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty, also known as the Treaty of Kadesh, now stands as the world’s first recorded peace treaty. Signed around 1258 BC, it aimed to end centuries of conflict between the two powers over control of the eastern Mediterranean.
A Diplomatic Masterpiece
The treaty’s contents reveal a sophisticated approach to international relations. Both sides pledged brotherhood and peace, agreeing to:
- Refrain from aggression against each other
- Repatriate political refugees and criminals
- Provide mutual assistance in suppressing rebellions
- Offer military support in case of external attacks
The document even included a mutual defense clause, demonstrating a level of diplomatic complexity that resonates with modern international agreements.
Divine Witnesses and Consequences
In a powerful display of the treaty’s importance, both parties called upon their gods as witnesses. The text warned that violating the agreement would incur divine punishment, while adhering to it would bring blessings of health and prosperity.
Legacy of Peace
The Treaty of Kadesh ushered in a period of peace and cooperation between Egypt and the Hittite Empire. Ramesses II redirected his energies towards grand building projects, including the famous Abu Simbel temples. There’s even evidence suggesting he sought to strengthen ties with the Hittites through a diplomatic marriage.
Preserving Ancient Diplomacy
While the original silver tablets of the treaty have been lost to time, clay copies discovered by Winckler survive. Today, visitors can view two of these tablets at the Museum of the Ancient Orient in Istanbul, with a third on display at the Berlin State Museums.
In a fitting tribute to its historical significance, a copy of the treaty holds a place of honor at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City – a reminder that the pursuit of peace is as old as civilization itself.
