Hittite Royal Seal Unearthed in Turkey Warns: 'Break This, and You Will Die

Excavations at the ancient site of Büklükale, believed to have served as a significant military base for the Hittites, have led to the discovery of a royal seal bearing a stern warning: “Whoever breaks this will die.” This inscription has drawn considerable attention, highlighting the seriousness with which the Hittites regarded their agreements.

Büklükale: A Key Hittite Military Base

Büklükale is situated approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Ankara, along the banks of the Kızılırmak River, near the village of Köprüköy in the Karakeçili district. Archaeological surveys suggest that the site reached its peak during the height of the Hittite Empire, functioning as an essential hub within the empire’s expansive network.

Over the course of 14 years, excavations led by Associate Professor Dr. Kimiyoshi Matsumura have uncovered numerous artifacts from the Hittite period. Among the most remarkable discoveries made during the 2023 excavation season was a cuneiform seal impression dating back to the Hittite Empire.

A Royal Seal with a Deadly Warning

Hittitologists have deciphered the cuneiform inscription on the seal, which reads, “Whoever breaks this will die.” This ominous warning underscores the gravity of the agreements sealed with this stamp and the severe consequences of violating them.

In the context of Hittite law, which typically favored fines or compensation over the death penalty or corporal punishment, the wording on this seal is particularly striking. It suggests the exceptional importance of the agreements it secured, reflecting the high stakes involved in these royal contracts.

Associate Professor Dr. Kimiyoshi Matsumura, a faculty member of the Archaeology Department at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University and the head of the Büklükale excavation, emphasized the significance of the find. He noted that Büklükale was a vital city during the Hittite Empire, and the presence of this royal seal, likely used by the king or queen, provides valuable insights into the site's historical importance.

Insights into Hittite Royal Influence

Matsumura explained, “There is cuneiform writing on this seal. The Great King Tabarna (Sovereign King) or Tavananna (Sovereign Queen) writes, ‘Whoever breaks this will die.’” These seals were commonly affixed to contracts, serving as a stark reminder that violations would be severely punished. The use of this seal by the Hittite royalty indicates the close relationship between Büklükale and the Hittite capital of Hattusa, suggesting that this city was deeply integrated into the empire's central power structures.

Recent discoveries at Büklükale include Hurrian tablets, which further illustrate the site’s importance. These tablets, associated with religious ceremonies conducted by the Hittite royal family, suggest that the king or queen may have personally visited or resided in Büklükale. This further reinforces the city's prominence within the Hittite Empire.

During the current excavation season, the team also uncovered a terracotta seal impression featuring a motif, found in several fragments. The exact meaning of this seal will be determined after further analysis by experts.

The discoveries at Büklükale continue to shed light on the intricate political and religious connections within the Hittite Empire, offering a deeper understanding of the power and influence wielded by the Hittite royal family.