Hattusili III

Quick Facts: Who was Hattusili III?

Subject:

Hattusili III

Known for:

Labarna (King) of the Hittite Empire during the New Kingdom (c. 1275–1245 BCE)

Born:

1300 BC

Died:

1300 BC

Century / Era:

-1300s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ḫattušili III (Hittite: "from Hattusa") was the labarna (king) of the Hittite empire (New Kingdom) c. 1275–1245 BC (middle chronology) or 1267–1237 BC (short chronology timeline). Much of what is known about the childhood of Hattusili III is gathered from a biographical account, written on a stone tablet during his reign, referred to as the Apology. Hattusili III was born the youngest of four children to the Hittite king Mursili II and queen Gassulawiya.

Career & Major Achievements

According to Hattusili III himself, he was an ill and sickly child who was initially expected not to survive to adulthood. Hattusili III credited the goddess Ishtar with saving his life during this period, and would remain an ardent patron of Ishtar indefinitely. Due to his place as the youngest son, Hattusili III did not become king after the death of his father.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Instead his older brother Muwattalli II ascended the throne. Before becoming king, Hattusili III married Puduhepa, a priestess of Ishtar, who later became an important Hittite queen in her own right. With Puduhepa, Hattusili III had three children, including his successor Tudhaliya IV.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1300 BC: Birth of Hattusili III — Labarna (King) of the Hittite Empire during the New Kingdom (c. 1275–1245 BCE)
2. 1300 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Hattusili III passed away on -1300, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 1275: 1275 Milestone — 1275–1245 BC (middle chronology) or 1267–1237 BC (short chronology timeline).

Notable Quotes by Hattusili III

“I credited the goddess Ishtar with saving my life during this period.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hattusili III

True or False: “True or false: Hattušili III was the first king of the Hittite Empire to openly credit a goddess with saving his life.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Hattušili III credited Ishtar with saving his life, the text does not state he was the first king to do so; it is a personal account from his reign.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Kikkuli — Contemporary (Born in -1300) (-1300): Hurrian master horse trainer and author of a key Hittite chariot text.
• Puduḫepa — Contemporary (Died in -1300) (-1300): Influential Hittite Queen, wife of Hattusili III, from the 13th century BC.
• Shutruk-Nakhunte — Contemporary (Born in -1300) (-1300): Founder of the Shutrukid Dynasty, Elamite King who challenged Babylonian hegemony.
• Wu Ding — Contemporary (Born in -1300) (-1300): Shang Dynasty King, noted for early Chinese records and technological advancements.
• Gediminas — Historical peer (Born in 1275) (1275): Founder of Vilnius and Grand Duke of Lithuania, establishing a vast empire.
• Hōjō Morotoki — Historical peer (Born in 1275) (1275): Tenth Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, a key figure in late medieval Japanese politics.
• Jayadeva — Historical peer (Died in 1245) (1245): Vaishnava Sanskrit poet celebrated for the epic poem Gita Govinda.
• Philip III of France — Historical peer (Born in 1245) (1245): King of France, known as the Bold, who reigned from 1270 to 1285.
• Emperor Go-Uda — Historical peer (Born in 1267) (1267): 91st Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1274 to 1287, navigating political turmoil.
• Giotto — Historical peer (Born in 1267) (1267): Pioneering Italian painter and architect who bridged the Gothic and Early Renaissance styles.
• -1300 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -1300

Frequently Asked Questions about Hattusili III