| Abstrakt: |
The practice of god-napping is richly attested in Old Hittite historiography but disappears almost completely in later, Empire Period sources. It will be suggested that this silence is not coincidental, but rather reflects a deep change in Hittite policy towards Hurro-Syrian deities. Furthermore, it will be suggested that this new imperial policy was founded on the experience of the political and religious integration of Kizzuwatna by the founders of the New Hittite Empire. This new policy, which provides for the maintenance of local cults rather than for their spoliation, will prove to be more successful than the Old Hittite destructive mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
