Hayasa-Azzi: A Powerful Armenian Kingdom of the Armenian Highlands

Hayasa-Azzi (Hittite: URUḪaiaša-; Armenian: Հայասա) was a powerful Armenian state in the Armenian Highlands during the 2nd millennium BCE. It was located in the upper reaches of the Euphrates and Chorokh rivers, northwest of Lake Van. Hayasa-Azzi is mentioned in Hittite cuneiform texts from the 14th to 13th centuries BCE. During this period, Hayasa alternated between warring with the Hittite kingdom and making peace, paying tribute to the Hittites. In the 13th century BCE, Hayasa presumably disintegrated, and its territory was taken over by the Hurrians, becoming part of the Hurrian kingdom of Daiaeni. The Oxford Dictionary of Economic History notes the active political and economic life of Hayasa during the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE.

The capital of Hayasa was the city of Kummaha, located in the upper reaches of the Euphrates River, near the modern city of Erzincan.

Wars Against the Hittites
Before Tudhaliya III (1500-1340 BCE)

Before the reign of Tudhaliya III, information about Hayasa from Hittite sources is scarce. It is known that in the 14th century BCE, the Hayasians invaded Hittite territories and burned their new capital, Sapinuwa, making the city of Samuha their boundary. Cuneiform tablets mention several Hayasian kings, including Mariya, Karanni, Hukkana, and Anania.

In 1405 BCE, during the reign of King Mariyas, the Hittites attacked Hayasa and took the province of Tsopk. The war continued under Mariyas’ successor, Karanni. Around 1397 BCE, the Hittites defeated Karanni in the Battle of Kathalaia (in Cappadocia). The Hittites then attacked Tsopk again but were repelled. In the same year, the Battle of Ani (Kamakh) took place, resulting in the Hittite forces retreating. The war continued until 1380 BCE, with Karanni’s army repeatedly attacking and devastating Hittite territory. In 1380 BCE, Karanni even managed to capture and burn the Hittite capital, Hattusa. Around 1375 BCE, the Hittites attempted to land on the Black Sea coast of Hayasa but suffered significant losses and were repelled.

In 1350 BCE, the Hittite kingdom captured Tsopk (Tsupani), but in 1349 BCE, Hukkana managed to reclaim the province. In 1345 BCE, the Hittites occupied Tsopk again, resulting in the principalities of Togarmah and Melid falling under Hittite control. Hukkana was forced to accept Hittite supremacy but continued to resist by attacking Cappadocia and forcing the Hittites to retreat from Mitanni territory.

Tudhaliya III and Suppiluliuma I (1340-1320 BCE)

Upon ascending the throne, Tudhaliya III sent his general and successor, Suppiluliuma I, to subdue the Hayasians, who were harboring fugitives from Hittite territory, and to reclaim the city of Samuha. Suppiluliuma made a peace treaty with Hukkana, the ruler of Hayasa. According to the treaty, Hukkana swore loyalty to Suppiluliuma, promised military assistance, and agreed to return fugitives from the Hittite kingdom. Suppiluliuma gave his sister in marriage to Hukkana but included a clause prohibiting the Hayasian king from claiming other women of the Hittite royal house, indicating ancient marital customs in Hayasa.

In 1324 BCE, the Hittites captured the fortress of Dukkuma and the city of Erzinka, but due to fierce resistance from Anania, they were forced to make peace again.

In 1324, 1321, 1320, 1319 BC, the Hittites made a number of campaigns into the territory of Hayasa, but did not achieve serious success. In the same 1319 BC, the Hittite kingdom tried to capture the fortress of Ur, but was repelled. In retaliation, Ananias’ army captured Arrina from Amkuvoya, devastated the surrounding area, and retreated. Ananias attacked the Hittites in 1318 BC, mainly with the forces of the principality of Kaska, which was subject to him.

In 1317, another Hittite attack followed, but the Hittites suffered a serious defeat near the same fortress of Ur. The following year, the Hittites were defeated near Kanuwara.

Artatsolum

Based on status: Levan Tonaganyan Հայաստան Armenia Armenia