Ancient International Divorce
July 2, 08:00
According to Arkeonews, the earliest recorded international divorce has been discovered on clay tablets from Ugarit. Ammistamru II, the king of Ugarit, ended his marriage to the daughter of Benteshina, the king of Amurru, following a decree issued by the great Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV. This ruling settled matters regarding her dowry, property rights, and the succession claims of their son, Utri-Sharruma. The princess later returned to Amurru, but the king of Ugarit demanded her extradition, triggering a conflict between the two kingdoms.
The event that led to this divorce is detailed on cuneiform tablets discovered in the ancient city of Ugarit, located along the coast of modern-day Syria. Tudhaliya IV's decree allowed the princess to take her dowry from Amurru but stripped her of all possessions and status she had acquired in Ugarit. Her son, Utri-Sharruma, was designated to inherit the throne, but if he accompanied his mother to Amurru, he would forfeit his right to rule.
Political and Social Connections
The marriage between Ammistamru II and the daughter of Amurru's king Benteshina linked three ruling dynasties: those of Ugarit, Amurru, and the Hittite Empire. Both Ugarit and Amurru were vassal states under Hittite control, with Ugarit standing out as one of the great commercial hubs of the Late Bronze Age. Later documents indicate that after the princess returned to Amurru, King Ammistamru II demanded her extradition. Her brother, King Shaushga-muwa, initially refused to comply.
Some researchers theorize that upon her return to Ugarit, the princess was executed, but the exact circumstances of her fate remain unknown.
This historical episode offers a vivid glimpse into the complex political and social dynamics of the ancient world, demonstrating how international relations could shape the personal lives of rulers. The divorce between these monarchs not only highlights personal strife but also shows how dynastic ties could influence regional political stability. It underscores the critical role of royal marriages in forging alliances and maintaining peace among neighboring states in antiquity.