Muwatalli II

Quick Facts: Who was Muwatalli II?

Subject:

Muwatalli II

Known for:

Hittite King of the New Kingdom, known for moving the capital and fighting Ramesses II.

Born:

1300 BC

Died:

1300 BC

Century / Era:

-1300s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Muwatalli II (also Muwatallis, or Muwatallish; meaning "mighty") was a king of the New Kingdom of the Hittite empire c. 1295–1282 (middle chronology) and 1295–1272 BC in the short chronology. He was the eldest son of Mursili II and Queen Gassulawiya, and he had several siblings. Muwatalli had a wife named Tanu-Ḫepa and at least two children.

Career & Major Achievements

One was Urhi-Teshup, who became king as Mursili III until his uncle Hattusili III deposed him. Another was Kurunta who became the vassal ruler of Tarhuntassa during the reign of Hattusili III. Another person named Ulmi-Teshup is suggested to be a third son of Muwatalli II, but it is quite likely that Ulmi-Teshup and Kurunta are the same person.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hattusili III was the younger brother of Muwatalli II. Tudhaliya IV and Egyptian Queen Maathorneferure were the nephew and niece of Muwatalli. Muwatalli's namesake, Muwatalli I, was a pre-Empire king of the early 14th century, the predecessor of Tudhaliya I. He is best known for relocating the Hittite capital to Tarhuntassa, appointing his brother Hattusili as governor in Hattusa, and fighting Ramesses II in the Battle of Kadesh.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1300 BC: Birth of Muwatalli II — Hittite King of the New Kingdom, known for moving the capital and fighting Ramesses II.
2. 1300 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Muwatalli II passed away on -1300, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
3. 1295: 1295 Milestone — 1295–1282 (middle chronology) and 1295–1272 BC in the short chronology.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Muwatalli II

True or False: “True or false: Muwatalli II's primary military achievement was defeating Ramesses II at the Battle of Kadesh.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he fought Ramesses II, his most defining administrative achievement was the relocation of the Hittite capital to Tarhuntassa, which fundamentally changed the empire's center of power.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Hattusili III — Contemporary (Born in -1300) (-1300): Labarna (King) of the Hittite Empire during the New Kingdom (c. 1275–1245 BCE)
• Kikkuli — Contemporary (Born in -1300) (-1300): Hurrian master horse trainer and author of a key Hittite chariot text.
• Muršili II — Contemporary (Died in -1300) (-1300): Hittite King who stabilized the Empire after plague and faced numerous rebellions.
• 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.
• Auld Alliance — Historical peer (Born in 1295) (1295): A long-lasting military and political association between Scotland and France.
• Bayan of the Baarin — Historical peer (Died in 1295) (1295): Prominent Mongol general who played a key role in the Yuan dynasty's conquest of Southern China.
• Llewelyn the Last — Historical peer (Died in 1282) (1282): Prince of Gwynedd who proclaimed himself Prince of Wales, resisting English conquest until his death.
• Llywelyn ap Gruffudd — Historical peer (Died in 1282) (1282): The last native Prince of Gwynedd, who claimed the title of Prince of Wales.
• -1300 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -1300

Frequently Asked Questions about Muwatalli II