Alalakh (Tell Atchana)
Alalah · Alakhtum · Tell Atchana
Middle to Late Bronze Age (c.2000–1200 BCE; Level VII palace 1650–1600 BCE)·Amorite / Yamhad / Hittite / Mitanni·🇹🇷 Hatay Province, Turkey
About
About Alalakh (Tell Atchana)
Bronze Age capital of Mukish kingdom in Amuq plain, Alalakh yielded Levels VII–0 (Middle–Late Bronze) with cuneiform archives of King Idrimi's inscription (statue autobiography), Yarim-Lim palace, and gateway. Tablets illuminate Amorite northern Levant before Hittite and Mitanni overlordship. Woolley excavated 1936–49; renewed by K. Aslıhan Yener.
Why it mattersKey Amorite archive bridging Yamhad-Mitanni-Hittite transitions
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Full extent of Idrimi statue original temple context
- 02Relationship to nearby Tell Tayinat (Kunulua) succession debate
Theories
- 01Level VII destruction by Hittite Mursili I or Hattusili I debate (Yener vs Woolley)
- 02Archives show early international minority law for fugitive slaves
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- City founded early 2nd millennium BCE
- Period
- Middle to Late Bronze Age (c.2000–1200 BCE; Level VII palace 1650–1600 BCE)
- Culture
- Amorite / Yamhad / Hittite / Mitanni
- Purpose
- Regional capital controlling Amuq plain and Orontes trade route
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
City founded early 2nd millennium BCE
Initial construction
c. 1129 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
36.2378° N · 36.3842° E · 80 m · 3 mapped features
Palace of Yarim-Lim
palaceLevel VII palace with throne room and archives yielding Idrimi inscription
36.2385° N · 36.3845° EIdrimi Statue Findspot
findspotShard findspot of Idrimi autobiography statue inscription
36.2380° N · 36.3840° ECity Gate (South)
gateFortified gate with basalt lions and Hittite levels
36.2370° N · 36.3835° E
Gallery