Clay Tablets Reveal Ancient Royal Divorce Decree—One of the Earliest Known International Splits

Divorce in the Ancient City of Ugarit

According to НВ — Техно: Historians have uncovered records of one of the earliest known international divorces, inscribed on clay tablets from the ancient city of Ugarit, located on the coast of present-day Syria. According to a decree issued by Hittite King Tudhaliya IV, Ugaritic ruler Ammistamru II ended his marriage to the daughter of Benteshina, king of Amurru. The royal order not only determined the fate of the dowry but also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the throne’s heir.

The surviving documents barely mention the woman at the center of the divorce, though it is known she was the mother of the crown prince, a son named Utri-Sharruma. Her father, King Benteshina, ruled the kingdom of Amurru, while her mother was likely a member of the Hittite royal family. Both Ugarit and Amurru were vassal states of the Hittite Empire, and Ugarit itself was considered one of the most important commercial hubs of the Late Bronze Age.

Political Fallout and Rising Tensions

Later records reveal a conflict sparked by the demand for the princess’s extradition. Her brother, King Shaushga-muwa, initially refused to hand her over, though he later changed his position. Over time, the woman came to be described as a threat to the state, suggesting that her return to Amurru had become a source of political instability.

• Some researchers believe that after being sent back to Ugarit, she was executed-an indication of how serious the situation had become.
• This case highlights the complex nature of international relations and political marriages in the ancient world.

The clay tablets recovered from the Ugarit archives offer crucial insight not only into family matters but also into the political ties between ancient states.

This discovery provides a unique opportunity to examine the political and social dynamics of the ancient world, particularly the role of marriage in forging international alliances. It also underscores the importance of dynastic connections, which greatly influenced regional stability and security at the time. Studying such documents helps us better understand how ancient kingdoms managed conflicts and pursued their interests through marriage treaties and divorce.

This discovery sheds light on the intricate dynamics of power and relationships in the ancient world. To further explore the implications of such early international separations, including the oldest known divorce in history, click here.