Ḫattus̆ilis̆, Ḫalab, and Ḫanigalbat

that of Suppiluliuma'. The number, names, and sequence of several Hittite kings of that period depend on its interpretation. The recent reevaluation of the Halab treaty by H. Otten2 brought about a controversy involving such specialists in the field of Hittite studies as A. Goetze,3 H. G. Giiterbock,4 and A. Kammenhuber.5 The interpretation of the treaty is, however, of considerable interest also for the history of other countries mentioned in its preamble-the states of northern Syria and northern Mesopotamia. It is from this point of view that I allow myself to add certain considerations to the arguments already adduced in the discussion. Otten's main thesis is that the Halab treaty does not prove the existence of a King Hattu'ili' in the fifteenth century. He is not attested in any sources; his existence has been deduced from the treaty with Talmi-Sarruma in which, besides Hattu'ili' I, the well-known king of the Hittite Old Kingdom, another, later king of the same name was thought to be mentioned.6 According to Otten, all references to Hattu'ili' in the preamble refer to one and the same person, namely the first king of that name who, as we know, really waged war against Halab. As for the other Hittite king whom the preamble puts in connection with Halab, Tudhaliya', he too, in Otten's view, had no namesakes in the fifteenth century. Of non-royal origin, he ascended the throne by marrying Princess Nikal-mati around 1415, and was the founder of the Hittite ruling house of the imperial period and the grandfather of Suppiluliumas.7