Zidanta I was a king of the Hittites (Old Kingdom), ruling for 10 years, ca. 1560âÂÂ1550 BC (middle chronology) or 1496âÂÂ1486 BC (short chronology timeline). According to the Telepinu Proclamation, this king became a ruler by murder.
Zidanta was married to the daughter of Hantili, brother-in-law to King Mursili I.
It is known that his wifeâÂÂs name ends with either -à ¡a or -ta.
Zidanta encouraged and helped Hantili to kill Mursili and seize the throne. He then served Hantili I for the duration of his reign.
At the end of HantiliâÂÂs life, Zidanta killed Pià ¡eni, the legitimate heir, together with Pià ¡eniâÂÂs children and foremost servants, and so made it possible for himself to become king.
His reign is thought to have lasted about 10 years around 1560-1550 BC (middle chronology).
Zidanta was killed by his own son, Ammuna, who then succeeded him.