He was the son of Artatama II, a usurper to the throne of Tushratta.[1]
In 1345 BC, the conquest of Carchemish by Suppiluliuma I led to the assassination of Tushratta of Mitanni, marking the end of the Mitanni Empire. In a civil war of succession, Shuttarna III usurped the throne, while Shattiwaza fled to Suppiluliuma I of the Hittites in the west.
In the East, Shuttarna III sought the support of Ashur-uballit I of Assyria (r. 1353-1318 BC). However, he was defeated when a Hittite army marched towards the capital and installed Shattiwaza on the throne. The events are described in the Shattiwaza Treaty (CTH 51+52).[2]
In the south, Burnaburiash II of Karduniash (Babylon; 1359-1333 BC) remained neutral in the rivalry between Hatti and Assyria for the remains of Mitanni.
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