Mursili II
Niqmepa was installed by the Hittite king Mursili II after forcing the former king, his brother Arhalba to abdicate the throne in favour of him, and was forced to sign a new treaty declaring explicitly that Ugarit was a vassal state of the Hittites. The treaty reveals that Niqmepa had a harem, and states that his woman and children will be held responsible if he fails to honor his obligations. At the same time Ugarit lost control of the territory of "Shiyannu" to the east, which halved the area controlled by Niqmepa. The secession was confirmed by Mursili II and "Shiyannu" was placed under the direct control of Carchemish, which was ruled by descendants of Hittite kings as "viceroys". However, because of the loss of "Shiyannu", and by request from Niqmepa, the tribute of Ugarit was reduced by a third. During Niqmepa's reign Ugarit became entirely encircled by areas under Hittite control.