Researchers in Turkey have made a significant archaeological discovery, uncovering a **3,300-year-old tablet** that conveys a stark death warning from the ancient Hittite Empire. Found at the **Büklükale** ruins, located near the **Kızılırmak River**, approximately 100 kilometers from Ankara, this artefact features a chilling inscription: “Whoever breaks this will die,” according to findings from the **Anatolian Archaeology** journal.
The discovery suggests that the tablet was not merely a decorative item but a serious proclamation, likely intended for anyone who violated the contract associated with it. The inscription, written in an ancient Middle Eastern logosyllabic writing system, reflects the severe legal codes of the period, which typically enforced penalties for breaking agreements, although fines were more common.
Details of the Discovery
The excavation, led by **Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kimiyoshi Matsumura** from **Kırşehir Ahi Evran University**, revealed the tablet alongside other significant artefacts, including fragmented pottery shards. Excavations conducted throughout **March 2023** indicate that Büklükale was a single-period city tied to the Hittite Empire, with an estimated diameter of **500 meters**.
Matsumura noted the exceptional nature of the warning. “These seals were usually stamped on contracts, stating that if something was done against the contract, it would be penalized,” he explained. The artefact was part of a correspondence from the Hittite royal family, specifically referencing the **Great King Tabarna** or **Sovereign Queen Tavananna**. This demonstrates the importance of Büklükale in maintaining diplomatic relations with **Hattusa**, the Hittite capital.
Implications of the Findings
In addition to the tablet, Matsumura’s team discovered another tablet related to a civil conflict in the same era, written in a language consistent with that on the seal. The presence of **Hurrian tablets** at the site indicates that religious ceremonies were conducted there, further linking Büklükale to the activities of the Hittite royal family.
Matsumura emphasized the significance of these findings, suggesting that Büklükale may have served a dual purpose as both a settlement and a potential royal residence during the Bronze Age. “All these finds show that Büklükale is an important city in the Hittite Empire,” he concluded.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere historical interest; they enhance our understanding of the legal and cultural practices of the Hittite Empire, illustrating how authority and power were exercised in ancient times. This archaeological work continues to shed light on a civilization that, while long past, still resonates today through its intriguing artefacts and enduring mysteries.
