Reported by 1 source

The short version

  • A newly discovered cuneiform fragment in Turkey contains text from the Kadesh Peace Treaty, signed around 1269 B.C.E. between Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II and Hittite King Hattusilli III.
  • The shard includes articles addressing the treatment of refugees fleeing either kingdom, specifically prohibiting the destruction of their homes while they seek refuge in the other territory.
  • This find adds to existing copies held in Istanbul and New York, offering fresh physical evidence of diplomatic norms established over three millennia ago.

Archaeologists working in central Turkey have uncovered a new piece of clay inscribed with Akkadian cuneiform text from the Kadesh Peace Treaty. This agreement, finalized approximately 3,300 years ago, is widely recognized as the earliest known international peace accord between two major powers. The discovery was made at Büyükkale, the site of the Hittite royal palace within the ancient capital of Hattusa, located in the modern province of Çorum.

The treaty originally ended a protracted conflict between the Egyptian Empire and the Hittite Kingdom over control of Syrian territory. Tensions had escalated into massive military engagements, including the Battle of Kadesh, which involved tens of thousands of soldiers and large-scale chariot warfare. Because neither side could secure a decisive victory, the stalemate eventually led to diplomatic negotiations rather than continued bloodshed.

News Journal

Pharaoh Ramses II and Hittite King Hattusilli III formalized their truce around 1269 B.C.E. The original document was reportedly written on silver tablets that have not survived to the present day. However, copies were preserved in hieroglyphic inscriptions on Egyptian temple walls and in cuneiform tablets found in Anatolia. One such copy was first identified at Hattusa in 1906, with its fragments currently housed in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.

The newly unearthed fragment represents a distinct portion of these historical records. After approximately one year of analysis, researchers confirmed that the shard contains sections corresponding to articles 12 through 20 of the treaty. These specific clauses outline mutual obligations regarding individuals who fled their home countries to seek asylum in the opposing kingdom.

Of particular note is the text’s emphasis on humanitarian protections for displaced persons. The inscription explicitly warns against destroying the homes of refugees while they reside in the host nation. This provision highlights a sophisticated understanding of diplomatic responsibility and human welfare that existed in the Bronze Age, centuries before modern international law frameworks were established.

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey’s minister of culture and tourism, highlighted the contemporary resonance of these ancient words. He noted that the prohibition against destroying refugee homes carries a significant message for current global conflicts. The minister expressed hope that the discovery would inspire future generations to prioritize safety and tranquility for all people, specifically referencing ongoing humanitarian crises in the region.

The political context of the treaty was as complex as its military origins. While the Battle of Kadesh ended in a draw, some Egyptologists suggest an earlier, smaller agreement may have initially paused hostilities. Hattusilli III likely sought a more comprehensive alliance sixteen years later to solidify his domestic power and stabilize relations with Egypt. The treaty promised eternal friendship, territorial integrity, nonaggression, extradition cooperation, and mutual assistance.

Textual evidence from the treaty emphasizes a bond of fraternity between the two rulers. Ramses II is recorded as stating that he and Hattusilli III are brothers at peace, united by a connection stronger than any previous alliance between their nations. This rhetoric underscores the personal diplomacy involved in maintaining stability across vast empires.

A copper replica of the treaty hangs in the United Nations building in New York, symbolizing its status as a foundational document for international relations. The original silver tablets are lost to history, making every surviving copy invaluable to historians. Experts believe further excavation at Büyükkale may yield additional segments of this specific tablet, potentially filling gaps in the current understanding of the agreement’s full text.

The discovery reinforces the enduring relevance of ancient diplomatic efforts. By preserving rules for conflict resolution and refugee protection, the Kadesh Peace Treaty offers a tangible link to early attempts at establishing order among competing powers. As researchers continue their work in Hattusa, each new fragment provides deeper insight into how ancient leaders navigated the complexities of war, peace, and human rights.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • Smithsonian Magazine↗Researchers in Turkey Have Unearthed an Ancient Fragment Inscribed With the World’s Oldest Peace Treaty