Shuttarna III was an usurper to the throne of Mitanni who reigned for a short period in the late 14th century BC.

Reign

He was the son of Artatama II, a usurper to the throne of Tushratta.

Conquest of Carchemish

I 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 the Shattiwaza fled to Suppiluliuma I of Hatti in the west.

War of Succession

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). In the south, Burnaburiash II of Karduniash (Babylon; 1359-1333 BC) remained neutral in the rivaly between Hatti and Assyria for the remains of Mitanni.