KIKKULI Meaning and
Definition
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Kikkuli, also known as Kikkuli the Hittite, is the name given to a high-ranking Hittite horse trainer and charioteer from the late 13th century BCE. He is renowned for his significant contributions to the development of horse training techniques and the sport of chariot racing.
In ancient times, Kikkuli revolutionized the practice of horse training by introducing a systematic training regimen. The method involved a progressive exercise program aimed at increasing the horses' strength, stamina, and speed. Kikkuli's approach also emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and the use of rest days to prevent overworking the animals. His training program was documented in a detailed text known as the Kikkuli Text, which served as a manual for horse trainers and charioteers.
Kikkuli is particularly significant in the context of the Hittite Empire, as chariot warfare was a crucial aspect of their military might. His innovations in horse training were pivotal in ensuring the Hittite charioteers had highly trained and disciplined horses, giving them an advantage on the battlefield.
Furthermore, Kikkuli's contributions extended beyond the Hittite Empire, influencing the practice of horsemanship in neighboring civilizations. His methods of horse training were adopted and adapted by other equestrian cultures, leaving a lasting influence on the ancient world.
Overall, Kikkuli is remembered as a legendary figure in the history of horsemanship, credited with refining the techniques of horse training and chariot racing, and significantly impacting military strategy and sporting endeavors of ancient civilizations.
Etymology of KIKKULI
The word "kikkuli" is derived from the Ancient Hittite language, specifically the term "ki-i-ku-li". Hittite was an Indo-European language spoken in ancient Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) around the 16th to 13th centuries BCE.
Kikkuli was the name of a Hittite horse trainer known for his work in developing a systemized training method for horses. His training manual, discovered in the Hittite capital of Hattusa, is one of the oldest known texts on horse training. The term "kikkuli" became associated with his techniques and expertise in horse training, thus becoming a common designation for his method.
