Burna-Buriash II Kassite king of Babylonia, reigned approximately 1376 – 1347 BC. Date of Birth: . Country: Dive

1. Reign of Burna-Buriash II: A Diplomatic Saga
2. Diplomatic Relations with Egypt
3. Diplomatic Mishaps
4. Conflict and Isolation
5. Role in Mitanni's Succession Crisis
6. Alliances and Marriages
7. Building Projects and Legacy

Reign of Burna-Buriash II: A Diplomatic Saga

Burna-Buriash II, a Kassite king, ascended to the throne of Babylon approximately from 1376 to 1347 BC. His reign coincided with the rule of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) of Egypt.

Diplomatic Relations with Egypt

Initially, Burna-Buriash II maintained friendly relations with Egypt. He sent a congratulatory letter to Amenhotep IV upon his accession, assuring him of his continued friendship and even dispatching his daughter to the pharaoh's harem.

However, Amenhotep IV proved to be a poor diplomat, preoccupied with his religious reforms. He was also in need of gold for his projects, leading him to be less generous than his father. Burna-Buriash II's letters to the pharaoh grew increasingly resentful, as he felt neglected and disrespected.

Diplomatic Mishaps

Burna-Buriash II complained repeatedly about the lack of gifts and the insufficient weight of gold shipments from Egypt. He also took offense when Amenhotep IV welcomed ambassadors from Assyria, which Babylon considered its vassal state, with the same honor as Babylonian ambassadors.

The pharaoh's disregard for diplomatic etiquette further angered Burna-Buriash II. When only five chariots were sent to escort the Babylonian princess to Egypt, he expressed his disbelief and compared it unfavorably to his father's practice of sending 3,000 men for the same purpose.

Conflict and Isolation

Burna-Buriash II's discontent intensified when his ambassadors were attacked in Syria, a lawless region that had become a center of anarchy. He accused Amenhotep IV of failing to punish the perpetrators and protect Babylonian interests.

As a result, relations between Egypt and Babylon deteriorated. Burna-Buriash II severed the alliance with Egypt and allied instead with the rival powers of Mitanni and the Hittite Kingdom. He even married his daughter to the Hittite king Suppiluliuma I.

Role in Mitanni's Succession Crisis

When King Tushratta of Mitanni was assassinated, Burna-Buriash II initially supported his son Shutarna III. However, he later switched sides to Artadama II, seizing the opportunity to expand Babylonian influence in the region.

Alliances and Marriages

Burna-Buriash II's foreign policy extended beyond the Middle East. A document from the Neo-Babylonian period indicates that one of his daughters was married to the Elamite ruler Untash-Napirisha. Additionally, he married off his son to an Assyrian princess, fostering ties with the neighboring kingdom.

Building Projects and Legacy

Burna-Buriash II's reign witnessed a revival of building activity, with the restoration of the Shamash temple in Larsa and possible construction work at the Enlil temple in Nippur. Nabonidus' inscriptions also mention his restoration of the Shamash temple in Sippar.

Burna-Buriash II ruled for 36 years, leaving behind a legacy of diplomatic maneuvering and territorial expansion. His reign marked a turning point in Babylonian relations with its neighbors, shaping the political landscape of the ancient Near East.