Muršili II

Quick Facts: Who was Muršili II?

Subject:

Muršili II

Known for:

Hittite King who stabilized the Empire after plague and faced numerous rebellions.

Born:

1400 BC

Died:

1300 BC

Century / Era:

-1400s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Mursili II (also spelled Mursilis II) was a king of the Hittite Empire (New kingdom) c. 1330–1295 BC (middle chronology) or 1321–1295 BC (short chronology). Mursili was the third born son of King Suppiluliuma I, one of the most powerful men to rule over the Hittite Empire, and Queen Henti. He was the younger brother of Arnuwanda II, he also had a sister and one more brother.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1321 BC Mursili II assumed the Hittite throne after the premature death of Arnuwanda II who, like their father, fell victim to the plague which ravaged the Hittites in the 1330s BC. He was greeted with contempt by Hatti's enemies and faced numerous rebellions early in his reign, the most serious of which were those initiated by the Kaskas in the mountains of Anatolia, but also by the Arzawa kingdom in southwest Asia Minor and the Hayasa-Azzi confederation in the Eastern Anatolia.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This was because he was perceived to be an inexperienced ruler who only became king due to the early death of Arnuwanda. Mursili records the scorn of his foes in his Annals: You are a child; you know nothing and instill no fear in me.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1400 BC: Birth of Muršili II — Hittite King who stabilized the Empire after plague and faced numerous rebellions.
2. 1300 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Muršili II passed away on -1300, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 1321: 1321 Milestone — In 1321 BC Mursili II assumed the Hittite throne after the premature death of Arnuwanda II who, like their father, fell victim to the plague which ravaged the Hittites in the 1330s BC.
4. 1330: 1330 Milestone — 1330–1295 BC (middle chronology) or 1321–1295 BC (short chronology).

Notable Quotes by Muršili II

“You are a child; you know nothing and instill no fear in me. Your land is now in ruins, and your infantry...”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Muršili II

True or False: “True or False: Mursili II was initially viewed by his enemies as a strong, experienced leader who immediately quelled all rebellions.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. Mursili II was initially perceived by his foes as an inexperienced ruler because he assumed the throne following the sudden death of his brother, Arnuwanda II.

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• -1400 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -1400
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Frequently Asked Questions about Muršili II