Semantic codes of luwian hieroglyphs II

As a result of the conducted research, it is demonstrated that to render the theonym Telipinu the author or authors of the hieroglyphic Luwian script used exclusively the representation of the evergreen tree -GIŠeḭa, which was the symbol of eternal life, fertility, freedom, cosmic order and eternity of the royal authority.

The present work based on analysis and intermerging of Hieroglyphic Luwian records (IX-VIII BC) shows that Tarhunzas (DEUS TONITRUS) played the role of the Supreme Deity in the pantheon of the late Hittite period. Organically it was related to the royal-power official ideology of the late Hittite period, namely, to the widespread conception of divine representatives of royal power in Ancient East. It became known that Tarhunzas was identified with Heavens (``deity of Heavens Tarhunzas”, ``Heavenly deity Tarhunzas”). Besides, he is also attributed the function of a hero, victor, defender of king, his country and cities, fertility-bringer. The evidence of the hieroglyphic Luwian inscriptions related to deity Tarhunt, as is represented in the paper, is substantiated completely by the reliefs and bas-reliefs showing this deity, discovered in the Ancient Near East, where the functions of this deity is stressed clearly. In the authors’ viewpoint, it is especially significant that the same is also indicated by the Luwian hieroglyphs denoting the name of Tarḫunt, which represent none other than testicles, (Hittite(anat.) arki-, (Akkadian ŠIR); (KUŠ)laplai-?; tašku-(c) (?), Latin testis) and Luwian hieroglyph denoting male strength and power.

The object present research are Luwian hieroglyphs related to military equipment. As a result of comparison of hieroglyphic-Luwian epigraphic monuments with cuneiform texts on the same topic (kings’ annals, state treaties), terminology reflecting equipment on archaeological artefacts discovered in the Ancient Near East, the authors arrive at the conclusion that Luwian hieroglyphs related to military equipment, in spite of their small number, fully reflect the information of the above-mentioned sources