The Hittite title Tuhkanti revisited: towards a precise characterisation of the office

Abstract

Abstract It is nowadays commonly accepted that the Hittite title Tuhkanti refers to the heir to the throne of Hattusa. However, while there are plenty of biographical works about individuals who held the title, there is a remarkable lack of studies about the position itself. Furthermore, there has until now been no complete compilation of the attestations of the word. With the aim of revisiting the role and the identity of the officer, this article catalogues all the occurrences of the term in Hittite contexts. Secondly, it offers a partially new characterisation of the office based on consideration of all the (currently known) attestations. The final picture that emerges diverts from the regular definition of a crown prince and reveals a type of emergency office, instituted in exceptional circumstances in order to reinforce the reigning dynasty.