Niqmepa (died c. 1270 BC) was the fifth-from-last King of Ugarit, a city-state in northwestern Syria.[1]
| Niqmepa | |
|---|---|
| King of Ugarit | |
 Text of Law in Akkadian by King Niqmepa with dynastic seal. Ras Shamra. Louvre Museum. | |
| King of Ugarit | |
| Reign | 1320 BC – 1270 BC |
| Predecessor | Arhalba (brother) |
| Successor | Ammittamru II |
| Died | c. 1270 BC Ugarit |
| Spouse | Ahatmilku |
| Issue | Ammittamru II (+2 rival brothers) |
| Father | Niqmepa |
Reign
editAccession
editHe was the son of Niqmaddu II, and the brother and successor of Arhalba.[2]
Vassal Treaty
editNiqmepa was installed by the Hittite king Mursili II (c. 1321-1300 BC) after forcing the former king, his brother Arhalba to abdicate the throne in favour of him,[2][3] and was forced to sign a new treaty declaring explicitly that Ugarit was a vassal state of the Hittites.[2] The treaty reveals that Niqmepa had a harem, and states that his woman and children will be held responsible if he fails to honor his obligations.[4]
At the same time Ugarit lost control of the territory of Shiyannu to the east, which halved the area controlled by Niqmepa. The secession was confirmed by Mursili II and Shiyannu was placed under the direct control of Carchemish, which was ruled by descendants of Hittite kings as "viceroys". However, because of the loss of Shiyannu, and by request from Niqmepa, the tribute of Ugarit was reduced by a third. During Niqmepa's reign Ugarit became entirely encircled by areas under Hittite control.[2]
Other events
editNiqmepa married princess Ahatmilku, of the Amurru kingdom to the south.[4] He continued to reign as a vassal of Muwatalli II, Mursili III and Hattusili III.
Death
editAfter a long reign of about 50 years as the vassal of four successive Hittite kings, Niqmepa was succeeded by his son, Ammittamru II.[2]
References
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- ^ Sweeney, Emmet John (2007). Empire of Thebes, or, Ages in Chaos Revisited. Algora Publishing. p. 128. ISBN 0-87586-480-5.
- ^ a b c d e Kuhrt, Amélie (1995). The Ancient Near East, c. 3000-330 BC. Routledge. p. 309. ISBN 0-415-16763-9.
- ^ Watson, Wilfred (1999). Handbook of Ugaritic Studies. p. 637. ISBN 9789004109889.
- ^ a b Marsman, Hennie J. (2003). Women in Ugarit and Israel: Their Social and Religious Position in the Context of the Ancient Near East. BRILL. p. 660. ISBN 90-04-11732-6.