(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists were able to confirm that the archaeological site of Ushakly-Hyuyuk is the Hittite city of Zippalandu.
The Hittites are an ancient Indo-European people who inhabited the territory of modern Turkey. The Hittite kingdom existed in 1800-1080 BC and was one of the main competitors of Bronze Age Egypt.
Tablets found in Hattus (the capital of the Hittites) describe Zippalanda, one of the ancient Hattite cult centers dedicated to the Hittite weather god.
The tablets describe Zippalanda’s city life, festivals and rituals, and mention the temple of the storm god known as Ziplantil, Wasezzili, Wasezzil, or Wasezzashu.
Scientists for a long time could not understand where he is. According to one of the theories that dominates now, the Ushakly-Hyuyuk mound and the buildings around it are Zippalandu.
During excavations this season, scientists from the University of Pisa discovered a Hittite-era circular structure located just north of what is likely the city’s main temple.
The function and purpose of the structure is not entirely clear, but Professor Anacleto D’Agostino believes that it served a ritual purpose.
Prior to this, four fragments of cuneiform tablets and ceramics were found, which confirm that the mound was formed in the Hittite era.
In addition, several buildings were found, interpreted as a temple and a fortress.
“The structure, along with other finds unearthed over the years, will help bolster scientists’ confidence that Ushakli is Zippalandu, the cult center of the powerful storm god, a royal residence mentioned in descriptions of several royal events,” the scientists say.
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