Covenant formula

I. Preamble: Here we find the name, titles, and genealogy of the Hittite Great King. The vassal is not mentioned in this section.

II. Historical Introduction: This portion of the text sets forth the previous course of relations between Hatti and the vassal state, and especially between the individual Hittite king and the particular subordinate. Here it is demonstrated just why the latter should be loyal to Hatti - either because he had been favored by the Great King, having received, say, basic sustenance and military assistance (e.g., No. 6B, §§4-7), or because he had been spared the severe punishment he deserved (e.g., No. 11, §§4-8). Despite the certainty that their accounts of events are tendentious, these treaty prologues have served as a major source of information for modern students of Hittite history.

III. Provisions: These stipulations naturally vary greatly from text to text, but the primary duties imposed upon almost all vassals are the payment of tribute (Hittite argamannu; Akkadian mandattu) (e.g., No. 8, §5), the providing of military assistance when required — both in support of imperial campaigns in their vicinity and in the extreme case when the Hittite ruler is himself faced with internal revolt (e.g., No. 16, §§10-12), the renouncing of all independent foreign diplomatic contacts (e.g., No. 2, §58; cf. No. 27, §7), the extradition of Hittite fugitives who have entered their territory (e.g., No. 10, §6), and the guarantee of succession to the Hittite throne for the Great King's designated heir (e.g., No. 17, §6). In addition, Hittite vassals are forbidden to engage in warfare among themselves, but are rather required to present their differences to the Great King (or his deputy) for arbitration (e.g., No. 10, §§8-10). Occasionally it is demanded that the subordinate ruler make a yearly visit to the Hittite court to pay homage to His Majesty in person (e.g., No. 2, §9). Many treaty documents also delimit the frontiers of the vassal's realm (e.g., No. 18B, §§2-4).

IV. Deposition: The metal tablet upon which the treaty has been written is to be kept in the temple of the vassal's chief deity, where it will literally be under the oversight of the gods (e.g., No. 6A, §13). It is to be read aloud before the subordinate at stated intervals (e.g., No. 13, §16).

V. List of divine witnesses: The deities of both partners are summoned to act as witnesses to the provisions and oaths (e.g., No. 11, §§29-31).

VI. Curses and blessings: Here the vassal recites various self-curses before the deities guaranteeing the treaty, and the Great King pronounces a number of blessings upon the vassal, conditional of course upon his keeping his obligations (see No. 6A, §§15-16 for a colorful example).