DOI: 10.33469/oannes.1930001 ISSN: 2667-7059

Gossip, Slander and Accusation in Hittite Society

Nermin Atila
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In Hittite society, oral communication was a powerful dynamic influencing daily interaction, political structure, and divine order. Hittite cuneiform documents show that words could be unfounded, baseless, and consciously or unconsciously presented as contrary to the truth. This phenomenon, expressed in Hittite texts through the concepts of gossip and slander, played an important role in the circulation of information and the manipulation of perceptions. It is recorded that, particularly in conflicts within the royal family, individuals attempted to undermine or damage the reputation of others through slander and gossip. Such discourse negatively impacted interpersonal relationships and the political, administrative, and religious order of the state. Slander and gossip also affected interstate relations and were included in treaties. Indeed, these treaties stipulated that gossip should not be given credence, that those spreading gossip should be identified, and that rumors should be reported directly to the king. The treaty emphasized that parties could not act on their own initiative, and this was guaranteed by oath. Statements such as slander and gossip negatively affected even the gods. The Hittites believed that the gods, like humans, believed in negative statements, and truths were conveyed to the gods through prayer. It was believed that slander and gossip caused individual or social defilement, and purification was achieved through rituals. This study, through the concepts of gossip and slander found in Hittite cuneiform documents, argues that speech is an element of individual reputation, social control, and power. The role of these statements in maintaining and preserving social order in Hittite society, and their functions in maintaining authority relations, are revealed.

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