Bronze Age Crossroads: Blades of the Aegean in Hittite Halls and the Intersection of Anatolian and Mycenaean Cultures
The Late Bronze Age witnessed a flourishing of cultural exchange and technological advancements across the ancient world. One of the most intriguing findings during this period was the discovery of Aegean-type swords in Anatolia. These exceptional weapons not only reveal the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient societies but also shed light on the extent of trade and cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean. Among the remarkable discoveries of Aegean-type swords is the one at Hattuša, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. This article explores the significance of these swords and examines the written sources that attest to the exchange of technology during this era.
A map illustrating the aftermath of the 15th century BCE ruinous campaigns by the Old Hittite Empire that led to the emergence of new powerful entities in the ancient Near East - the Middle Babylonian Kingdom of the Kassites, the Mitanni kingdom of the Hurrians, the Middle Hittite Kingdom and the Kingdom of Elam. Meanwhile, the Egyptian New Kingdom succeeded in extending its dominance as far as the southern Levant.
Aegean-Type Swords: Characteristics and Significance
Aegean-type swords are a distinct category of weapons that originated in the Aegean region, particularly during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1600–1200 BCE). These swords are characterized by their distinctive hilt and blade designs, making them easily recognizable. They typically have a straight, double-edged blade that tapers to a point, making them efficient for thrusting and slashing motions in combat. The hilt often featured a prominent pommel and a guard, and was designed for a secure grip and comfort during use. The distinctive pommel at the end of the hilt, adding balance to the weapon and facilitating precise handling. Additionally, some swords had a guard, a crossbar between the hilt and the blade, which protected the wielder's hand during combat, while the blade was typically crafted with a midrib, providing structural reinforcement and enhancing the weapon's efficiency.
Aegean-type swords were primarily made of bronze, a durable and valuable metal during the Bronze Age. Bronze was a significant technological advancement of the time, and its widespread use in weaponry marked a transition from the earlier Copper Age.
The production of Aegean-type swords demonstrated a high level of metalworking skill and craftsmanship. The ability to cast, forge, and shape bronze into finely crafted weapons was a testament to the technological expertise of ancient societies. This knowledge was likely passed down through generations and shared through trade and cultural interactions.
The distribution of Aegean-type swords throughout the Aegean region and beyond indicates extensive trade and cultural contacts during the Late Bronze Age. The exchange of goods and ideas between different civilizations fostered a vibrant cultural milieu and likely played a crucial role in the advancement of various societies.
These swords were not merely weapons of war but also objects of prestige and diplomacy. The possession and display of finely crafted swords could serve as symbols of power, authority, and wealth for rulers and elite individuals. Additionally, Aegean-type swords might have been exchanged as diplomatic gifts between rulers of different regions, strengthening political alliances and diplomatic ties.
A very useful summary table of the Achaean B Type swords has been made by Professor Kirk Spencer from the Sword Forum International
The design and features of Aegean-type swords had a lasting impact on the development of later sword types. As trade and cultural exchanges continued over time, elements of these swords likely influenced the designs of other weapons in different regions, showcasing the far-reaching consequences of technological exchange.
The appearance of Aegean-type swords in Anatolia, a region that encompasses modern-day Turkey, has piqued the interest of archaeologists and historians alike. The presence of these swords points to intricate networks of trade, cultural exchange or military conflicts that connected the Aegean world with the civilizations of Anatolia.
The Aegean-Type Sword Found at Hattuša
Among the significant discoveries of Aegean-type swords, the find at Hattuša stands out as a remarkable example. Hattuša, located in central Anatolia, was the political and cultural center of the Hittite Empire during the Late Bronze Age. Two grader digger operators in Hattuša, the capital of the Hittites, one of the biggest empires of the period, by chance discovered the sword in 1991, which has no other example in the world.
The sword likely dates to the LHII period and is of Mycenaean provenance, type B. The sword, which caused great excitement when it was found, was presented to the god as an offering by the Hittite king at that time.
This bronze sword had an Akkadian inscription. It read:
"When the great king Tudhaliya destroyed the land of Assuwa, he offered this sword as an offering to his lord the storm god.”"
After defeating the Assuwa Confederation, which encompassed the Lands of [L]ugga, Karakisa, Wilusiya, and Taruisa, Tudhaliya II probably devoted it to Hattuša.
The discovery of this Aegean-type sword in the heart of the Hittite Empire raised intriguing questions about the nature of interactions between the Hittites and other contemporary civilizations. It suggested that trade and cultural exchange were far more extensive and sophisticated than previously thought. The presence of the sword also hinted at possible diplomatic relations, alliances, or even military conflicts between the Hittites and the Aegean societies.
Further Mycenaean Finds in Anatolia: A Deeper Connection
Beyond the fascinating discovery of this Aegean-type sword in Hattuša, other Mycenaean artifacts found in Anatolia further illuminate the robust connection between these two ancient civilizations. A significant number of Mycenaean pottery shards have been discovered in various parts of western Anatolia. These ceramic pieces, often decorated with distinctive patterns and motifs, have been vital in corroborating the presence of Mycenaean influence in the region.
Two more swords of Mycenaean type were discovered in Izmir and Kastamonu/Kashtama, but were most likely made in Anatolia. The percentage of tin in the bronze alloys of the two swords has not yet been determined by analysis.
A ceramic bowl made by the Hittites was also discovered at Hattuša, dating to the late 15th/early 14th century, with a drawing of a warrior wearing a boar's tusk helmet with a horn, crest, and flowing ribbons. Since Hittite helmets are different from Aegean representations, what we have here may be the Hittite representation of a Mycenaean warrior. There have also been a number of Mycenaean discoveries at Masat Höyük. In Büyükkale at Hattuša, wall painting pieces in the Mycenaean style have also been found, according to researchers.
Mycenaean warrior depicted on a Hittite bowl, ca. 1300 BC
The bowl was found at Boğazköy and is now in the Çorum Archaeological Museum.
The figure has been identified as a Mycenaean warrior based on his armor and sword. There are no known combat scenes in Hittite art, and the style is unusually dynamic, so the bowl may have been incised by a foreign artist.
Who was Tudhaliya II?
Tudhaliya II was a Hittite king who ruled in the middle of the fourteenth century BC. He was the son of King Arnuwanda I and the father of Suppiluliuma I. Documents state that this happened after the passing of his father, I. Arnuwanda II. The Hittites had numerous revolts and assaults under Tuthaliya's reign. Tudhaliya therefore devoted practically all of his time to waging war against the enemy in various locations and re-establishing Hittite state power.
The Hittite state reached the point of disintegration, the Kashkas in the north pillaged Hattusha and descended to the south of the Kizilirmak, Arzawa attacked from the west, Azzi and Isuwa attacked from the east, and the enemy advanced to Kizzuwatna in the south, as stated in a written source from the Hattusili period.
Map of the Hittite Empire at its greatest extent, with Hittite rule c. 1350–1300 BC represented by the green line
The account of his son Suppiluliuma I's travels is one of the most significant documents containing information about Tudhaliya. When Hattusha was out of Hittite control, the record that has been partially preserved suggests that Tudhaliya directed his expeditions from the city of Samuha. According to reports, he waged multiple successful expeditions against the Kashkas, routing a confederation of nine tribes at one point and a confederation of twelve tribes at another.
Written Sources on Technological Exchange in the Late Bronze Age
While archaeological finds provide tangible evidence of cultural exchange, written sources from the period offer invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of technological diffusion. Among the most notable written records are the diplomatic archives discovered in Hattuša, which contain correspondence between Hittite kings and rulers of neighboring regions.
These clay tablets and cuneiform inscriptions reveal a wealth of information about diplomatic relations, alliances, and trade agreements between the Hittites and their neighbors, including the Aegean civilizations. References to the exchange of valuable goods, including weaponry, adorn these tablets, emphasizing the importance of technology as a tool of diplomacy and international relations.
Furthermore, the "Ahhiyawa texts" found at Hattuša mention the Ahhiyawans, a term believed to refer to the Mycenaean Greeks, who played a significant role in the Late Bronze Age Mediterranean. These texts indicate possible interactions between the Hittites and the Mycenaeans, further strengthening the idea of extensive cross-cultural contact during the era.
The discovery of Aegean-type swords in Anatolia, particularly the find at Hattuša, offers compelling evidence of the widespread trade and cultural exchange during the Late Bronze Age. These remarkable weapons not only exemplify the artistic achievements of ancient societies but also highlight the importance of technology as a means of diplomatic and economic engagement.
The written sources, including diplomatic archives and cuneiform tablets, further substantiate the existence of complex networks that facilitated the exchange of technology and ideas between the Hittites and their contemporaries in the Aegean region.
As archaeologists continue to uncover more evidence and scholars decipher additional written records, our understanding of this fascinating period in history will undoubtedly deepen, revealing the interconnectedness and interdependence of ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean world.
