GoKawiilNew fragment of Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty unearthed at Hattusha
Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the discovery of a 3,400-year-old cuneiform tablet fragment from the Treaty of Kadesh at the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusha. The fragment contains text concerning the treatment of refugees, part of the broader accord signed around 1269 B.C. by Ramesses II and Hattusili III to end a long war between Egypt and the Hittite Empire.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The treaty is widely regarded as the oldest known peace agreement, and this new piece adds detail to how ancient states codified terms like refugee treatment within diplomatic law. Turkey's culture minister framed the find as a reminder of enduring principles around protecting human life, suggesting officials see contemporary relevance in the Bronze Age document.
- Fragment found at Hattusha, the former Hittite capital in Anatolia
- Text relates to refugee treatment clauses within the Treaty of Kadesh
- Treaty dates to around 1269 B.C., ending an Egyptian-Hittite war
Source: livescience.com — Kristina Killgrove, 2026-09-27
Published there as: “Fragment of oldest known peace treaty found in Turkey”
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