Kuruntas: a Recollection of the Relevant Data

Abstract

Abstract As a son of the Hittite great king Muwatallis II Kuruntas had rights to the Hittite throne superior to those of the usurper Ḫattusilis III and his son and successor Tud ḫaliyas IV. Because of this, scholars are inclined to the view that he exercised his rightful claim to the throne by means of a “coupe d’etat”, which seems to be underlined by sealings and a rock-relief staging Kuruntas as a great king. In the following paper the evidence on this topic will be reviewed and the validity of more peaceful scenarios will be investigated.