HORSES IN HITTITE SOCIETY: STATUS, SYMBOLISM AND UTILITY
HORSES IN HITTITE SOCIETY: STATUS, SYMBOLISM AND UTILITY

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the multifaceted role of horses in Hittite society, emphasizing their economic, military, political, and religious significance. Hittite cuneiform texts indicate that horses were primarily owned by the royal family, aristocracy, and military elite, serving as key assets in diplomacy, warfare, and state-controlled breeding programs. Legal regulations concerning horse ownership, theft, and mistreatment highlight their high economic and strategic value. Horses played a crucial role in chariotry, reinforcing both military power and royal authority. The Kikkuli Text provides insight into the sophisticated training methods employed to enhance the endurance and performance of warhorses, reflecting the Hittites’ advanced equestrian knowledge. Moreover, horses held symbolic and religious importance, appearing in purification rituals and divine associations, particularly with the deity Pirwa. Royal inscriptions link chariot ownership to political stability, demonstrating the dual function of horses as both practical military assets and symbols of sovereignty. The study underscores the comprehensive integration of horses into Hittite society, illustrating their pivotal role in maintaining state power, economic stability, and religious traditions.

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