Hakkarpili's Takeover of Hattusa

Hakkarpili's Takeover of Hattusa marked the start of the Hittite Civil War, between the former king Muwatalli III, now part of the Organization of Free Kingdoms, and Hakkarpili, formerly the king's chief advisor who usurped the throne and aligned himself with the Eastern Coalition. 
The events of the takeover were set in motion already in 71 AEE, at the start of the Great Powers' War. Once Muwatalli and the highest ranking generals left the capital for the Levantine front, Hakkarpili was left in charge of the country to manage it during the war and maintain the war effort. However, apart from doing that, he also took a number of other measures over the two years of the war to solidify his rule. This included assassinations of political opponents, raising of personal armies loyal only to him, a buildup of a secret shadow government and advisors unknown to Muwatalli, replacement of officers in Hattusa and other strategic locations (such as Kizzuwatna) with ones loyal to Hakkarpili, and more.
The final step was enacted once Hakkarpili got news of Shilhak crossing the Euphrates and defeating the Egyptians and the Hittites. Hakkarpili wanted to proclaim Muwatalli's death and declare himself the new king, though that was slightly delayed due to actions of the Pankus - the Hittite legislative and executive council. The councilmen realized that Hakkarpili was plotting against the king and sent captain Kudunu with his men to arrest the regent. Yet this plan was foiled as Kudunu and his soldiers were ambushed and killed, and Hakkarpili proceeded to go to the Pankus council chamber and have his loyalists execute all the councilmen too (with the exception of the designated survivor Minimu, who was at that point in a secure fortress in western Anatolia).
In the following days, Hakkarpili had his remaining opponents killed and eventually proclaimed the death of Muwatalli during the Battle of Qatna and himself as the new king of Hatti. He also put the blame on the king's supposed death on the Pankus members' conspiracy so as to justify their executions to the public. Having assumed control of the capital, Hakkarpili soon took control of most of the country, except those parts occupied by the Mycenaeans or Hittite rebels under Minimu. Hakkarpili also signed an alliance agreement with Shilhak and so became a member of the EC, thus joining the OFK-EC War on its side.
Category:The Rise of Kemet
Category:Great Powers' War
Category:OFK-EC War
Category:Battles
Category:Hatti