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Attarsiya

Background

Attarsiya (or Attarissiya) is a somewhat enigmatic figure from the Late Bronze Age, mentioned in Hittite records. He is often associated with Mycenaean Greece, and his activities suggest he may have been a powerful Mycenaean chieftain or warlord who led military expeditions into Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The information about Attarsiya primarily comes from Hittite texts, which provide insights into his interactions with the Hittite Empire.

Historical Context:

1. Late Bronze Age:
   • Time Period: The Late Bronze Age (circa 1600-1200 BCE) was a period marked by significant interactions and conflicts among various ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Mycenaeans, Egyptians, and others.
   • Hittite Empire: The Hittite Empire, based in central Anatolia, was one of the major powers of the time, engaged in both cooperation and conflict with neighboring states.

Attarsiya in Hittite Records:

1. Hittite Texts:

   • Annals of Tudhaliya II: The primary sources mentioning Attarsiya are the annals of Tudhaliya II (or Tudhaliya III), a Hittite king who reigned during the mid-14th century BCE. These texts describe military campaigns and diplomatic activities involving Attarsiya.
   • Military Incursions: According to Hittite records, Attarsiya led a series of military incursions into western Anatolia, attacking Hittite vassal states and causing significant disruptions.

2. Conflict with Madduwatta:

   • Madduwatta Letters: The "Madduwatta Letters" are another crucial source mentioning Attarsiya. These letters detail the interactions between the Hittite king and a local Anatolian ruler named Madduwatta.
   • Madduwatta's Rebellion: Madduwatta was initially a vassal of the Hittites, but he rebelled and sought to establish his own power base. Attarsiya allied with Madduwatta, supporting his rebellion against the Hittites.

Identification and Speculations:

1. Mycenaean Connection:

   • Achaean Leader: Some scholars suggest that Attarsiya could be identified with a Mycenaean leader, possibly an early Achaean (Greek) warlord or king. This hypothesis is based on the similarities between the name Attarsiya and the later Greek name Atreus, though the connection is speculative.
   • Raiders from the Sea: Attarsiya's activities resemble those of the "Sea Peoples," a group of maritime raiders who disrupted the eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze Age. His incursions into Anatolia could reflect early Mycenaean expansion or raiding activities.

2. Historical Impact:

   • Hittite Response: The incursions led by Attarsiya forced the Hittites to respond militarily and diplomatically, reflecting the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time. The conflicts with Attarsiya and his allies contributed to the instability in the region.
   • Legacy: While the precise identity and origins of Attarsiya remain uncertain, his mention in Hittite records highlights the interactions between the Mycenaean world and Anatolia during the Late Bronze Age. His actions are indicative of the complex relationships and conflicts that characterized this period.

Conclusion:

Attarsiya is an intriguing figure from the Late Bronze Age, known primarily through Hittite records. His military incursions into Anatolia and involvement in regional conflicts provide valuable insights into the interactions between the Mycenaean world and the Hittite Empire. While much about Attarsiya remains speculative, his activities reflect the broader patterns of warfare, diplomacy, and power struggles that defined the Late Bronze Age eastern Mediterranean.

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