Remarks on the Ugarit Diplomatic Relations with Ḫatti and Egypt in the Late 13th Century <scp>b.c.</scp>

This paper addresses the seemingly contradictory foreign policy of Ugarit in the late 13th century b.c., since one can find Ugarit kings’ declarations of vassalage to Egypt while apparently being Hittite subordinates. It is stressed that in an empire-vassal relationship, a powerful subordinate is aware of having a strong hand, albeit not the upper one. The subordinate needs to defend their own interests, even when the counterparts know that the hierarchy is ultimately to be respected. Still, Ugarit no doubt remained loyal to Ḫatti, which welcomed the excellent relations between the courts of Ugarit and Egypt. Thus, the Hittite reprimands found in the House of Urtēnu archive do not necessarily tell of the sovereign’s weakness, but merely of two parties bargaining or “haggling” in search of a deal that better suits and protects each other’s interests.