Smenkhkare vs Suppiluliuma II

Evidence suggests Smenkhkare may have served as co-regent with Akhenaten in the final years of the latter's reign. Inscriptions from Amarna show them ruling together, possibly to manage the transition of power. This co-regency, if it occurred, was brief and ended with Akhenaten's death.

Smenkhkare ruled for a very short period, likely less than a year, during the turbulent Amarna period. He succeeded Akhenaten and may have been a co-regent before becoming sole ruler. His reign is poorly documented, and his identity remains debated, with theories suggesting he was a brother or son of Akhenaten.

Smenkhkare is believed to have been buried in Tomb KV55 in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb contained a mummy, a gilded coffin, and canopic jars, but the identity of the occupant is disputed. The burial was disturbed in antiquity, and the remains have been linked to both Smenkhkare and Akhenaten.

Suppiluliuma II led military campaigns against the Sea Peoples, who were raiding the eastern Mediterranean coast. He fought naval and land battles, but the Hittite defenses were overwhelmed, contributing to the collapse of the empire.

Suppiluliuma II launched a naval campaign against the island of Cyprus (Alasiya), which was a base for Sea Peoples' raids. He achieved some success, but the campaign did not prevent the eventual collapse of the Hittite state.

The Hittite capital Hattusa was sacked and destroyed, likely by the Sea Peoples or related groups. This event marked the end of the Hittite Empire, as the city was abandoned and the Hittite state ceased to exist.