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The Fall of Yamhad and the Rise of the Hittite Empire (1595 BCE)
Yamhad was a powerful Amorite kingdom centered in Aleppo (modern-day Syria) during the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1800-1600 BCE). It dominated northern Syria and was a key player in regional politics, often clashing with neighboring powers like Mari and the Hittites. However, by the late 17th century BCE, Yamhad's influence began to wane due to internal strife and external pressures.
The Hittites, an Indo-European people based in Anatolia (modern Turkey), emerged as a formidable military power under King Hattusili I (c. 1650-1620 BCE). Seeking to expand his empire, Hattusili launched campaigns into northern Syria, targeting Yamhad's vassal cities.
By 1595 BCE, the Hittites, now led by King Mursili I (Hattusili's grandson), delivered the final blow to Yamhad. Mursili's forces sacked Aleppo, effectively ending Yamhad's dominance in the region. This victory marked a major shift in Near Eastern power dynamics, as the Hittites established themselves as a dominant force in Anatolia and northern Syria.
Precise details of these events are scarce due to the fragmentary nature of ancient sources. Much of our knowledge comes from Hittite annals and later Mesopotamian records.
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