Arzawa
Arzawa was a region and political entity in Western Anatolia during the Late Bronze Age. In Hittite texts, the term is used to refer both to a particular kingdom and to a loose confederation of states. The chief Arzawan state, whose capital was at Apasa is often referred to as Arzawa Minor, while the other Arzawan kingdoms included Mira, Hapalla, Wilusa, and the Seha River Land.
Kingdom of Arzawa 𒅈𒍝𒉿 ar-za-wa | |
|---|---|
| 1700–1300 BC | |
Map of the Arzawa and the surrounding kingdoms, c. 1400 BC. | |
| Capital | Apaša |
| Common languages | Luwian or related languages |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Kings | |
• Late 15th century BC | Kupanta-Kurunta |
• Early 14th century BC | Tarḫuntaradu |
• 1320s BC | Tarkasnawa |
• 1320–1300 BC | Uhha-Ziti |
| Historical era | Bronze Age |
• Established | 1700 BC |
• Disestablished | 1300 BC |
Arzawa is known from contemporary texts documenting its political and military relationships with Egypt and the Hittite Empire. The Arzawa kingdoms had a tumltuous relationship with the Hittites, sometimes allied with them but other times opposing them. During the Amarna Period, Arzawa had achieved sufficient independence that Egypt opened direct diplomatic relations, addressing the Arzawan king Tarhuntaradu as "great king", a title reserved for peers. However, the Arzawans were fully subjugated by Mursili II around 1300 BC.