Tabarna

Tabarna (also spelled Tabarnaš, Tabarnašš) was a title used by the rulers of the Old Hittite Kingdom (c. 1600–1400 BCE). It is generally understood to be a royal title, similar to "Caesar" or "Kaiser" in later periods, rather than a personal name. The term signifies the office of the Hittite great king, encompassing both political and religious authority.

While the etymology of the word is debated, it is believed to originate from either the Hattian language (pre-Hittite inhabitants of Anatolia) or a very early form of Hittite itself. Some scholars propose a connection to place names or personal names in the region, suggesting a possible territorial or dynastic link.

The title Tabarna was typically used in conjunction with the king's personal name and other honorifics in official inscriptions and documents. The last king to use the title Tabarna was Hattusili I. Later Hittite rulers primarily used the title "Great King" (LUGAL.GAL in Sumerian, šarru rabû in Akkadian, and ḫaššu-š in Hittite), although the legacy of the Tabarna title continued to resonate with the Hittite monarchy.

The term's continued significance is evidenced by its inclusion in legal texts and royal chronicles, demonstrating that it represented a specific period of Hittite history and a particular understanding of royal authority. The Testament of Hattusili I references the title and provides insights into the expectations and responsibilities associated with the position of Tabarna. Its usage provides valuable information about the development of Hittite political institutions and royal ideology during the Old Kingdom period.