Turkey > Infrastructure of the Hittite Empire

Infrastructure of the Hittite Empire

The political structure of the Hittite Empire was based upon the institutions comprised by the King and members of his family. The political organ of administration was Panku (the Parliament of the Empire). When there was a political problem, Panku was summoned into session by the King.

The Royal family was not a closed institution. The monarchy was hereditary; however if there was no male heir from the King’s immediate family then the husband of the daughter-princess of the king would assume the throne. Once the King had nominated his successor the Prince had to swear an oath of loyalty. The Queen took her place alongside the King in terms of the importance of her role. We know from the records of the works of Puduhepa, the wife of Hattushili, how important the Queen’s duties were. Nonetheless the King was the absolute power in Hittite state structure.