Archaeologists Discover Hittite Bird Divination Tablets and Royal Seals in the Ancient City of Samuha

Archaeologists working at the Hittite settlement of Kayalıpınar, known in antiquity as Samuha, have uncovered an extraordinary state archive containing 56 cuneiform tablets on bird divination and 22 seal impressions belonging to kings, princes, princesses, priests, and high-ranking officials of the Hittite Empire.

The excavation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Maner of Koç University with the permission of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. According to Maner, the discoveries represent a turning point in understanding both the political and religious systems of the Hittites.

Divination in the Hittite Archives

Most of the tablets are remarkably well preserved, some as small as 2.5 × 1.5 cm, and record the practice of bird divination (mušen). These rituals were performed to interpret omens for royal succession, military campaigns, and the well-being of the state.

“The Hittites believed that everything good or bad came from the gods,” Maner explained. “That is why they recorded omens and prophecies in official state archives. The discovery of these texts in Samuha shows us the central role of prophecy in the empire’s decision-making.”

The tablets also mention specialized diviners known as lumušens, indicating that such priests and officials were integrated into the state structure itself.

Royal Power in Clay

Alongside the divination texts, archaeologists found 22 seal impressions linked to prominent figures, including Tuthaliya IV, son of Great King Hattusili III, as well as high priest Kantuzzili, military scribes, and members of the royal family.

“These sealings provide valuable insights into the political hierarchy and administrative system of the Hittite Empire,” Maner noted. “They also confirm the sealing building’s function as an official record-keeping facility.”

Samuha: A Strategic and Sacred City

Situated in the Kızılırmak basin, Samuha was a vital hub of the Hittite Empire. It served not only as a logistical base for military expeditions but also as a major religious center where royal ceremonies and cult activities were performed.

Earlier excavations at Kayalıpınar revealed remains from the Assyrian Trade Colonies Period, Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine eras. The newly uncovered archive now places Samuha firmly among the key cities of Hittite administration and religion.

“These finds will reshape our understanding of Hittite cultural and political history,” Maner concluded.

Cover Image: Excavation at Kayalıpınar, the ancient Hittite city of Samuha, where cuneiform archives were unearthed. Credit: Serhat Zafer/AA