Relief of Suppiluliuma II, the last of the well-known Great Kings of Hattuşa.

Hattuşaş was the capital of the Hittite empire from 2000 to 1180 BC. In the eastern part of the Upper City two monumental domed chambers could be partially restored from large limestone blocks. Chamber 1 was not decorated, but Chamber 2 was adorned with reliefs that have survived in excellent condition thanks to the blanket of earth under which they lay protected over the millennia.

The relief to the left represents Shupiluliuma II, the last of the famous Great Kings of Hattusha and the ruler responsible for the construction of the chamber. He is portrayed in the short skirt of the warrior, a sword in his belt and a lance in his right hand; a bow is slung over his shoulder. On his feet you can make out slippers curling up at the toes, and on his head he wears the pointed hat typical of divinities; this one has three horns at the front. Before him are his title and name, inscribed in Luvian hieroglyphics. The Great King apparently had himself portrayed as a god even though he was still alive and active at the time, as is confirmed on the wall opposite.
(Location: Boğazköy /Hattuşaş )

Uploaded by slavica on 1/17/2010, viewed 4286 times.