Origins & Early Life

Puduḫepa or Pudu-Kheba (fl. 13th century BC) was a Hittite queen, married to the King Hattusili III. She has been referred to as "one of the most influential women known from the Ancient Near East." Puduḫepa was born at the beginning of the 13th century BC in the city of Lawazantiya in Kizzuwatna (i.e. Cilicia, a region south of the Hittite kingdom).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her father Bentepsharri was the head priest of the tutelary divinity of the city, Shaushka (identified with the Mesopotamian Ishtar), and Puduḫepa grew up to exercise the function of priestess of this same goddess. Puduḫepa’s own tutelary goddess was Ḫepat, and her theophoric name served as an outward sign of her devotion to the goddess. Later, in Hittite religion, she identified the Sun goddess of Arinna with Ḫepat. On his return from the Battle of Kadesh, the Hittite general Hattusili met Puduḫepa and, it was said, Ishtar instructed him to find in her love and companionship, decreeing that they would enjoy the 'love of being a spouse to each other.' She accompanied him then to the kingdom of Hapissa. For Puduḫepa it was an advantageous match.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Although Hattusili was most likely much older than...

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