Identification
The identification of Tall al-Hamidiya with the Mitannian capital Taidu is based on philological and archaeological reasoning.
Philological reasons
the combination of the texts DeZ 2521 (Middle Assyrian itinerary) and Ashshurnasirpal II., Ann. (ed. King) III, 2 – 3 (Neo-Assyrian annals), KUB XIX 13+14 II: 30s-37s (fragment of the series Shuppiluliumash LU“-nannash), HT21+ KUB VIII 80: 6s – 13s (fragment of the Hittite Version of the treaty between Shattiwaza and Shuppiluliuma I.) with A. 315+ M. 8103 (Old Babylonian letter from Mari) respectively;
the known location of Kakhat (Tall Barri), the calculated location of Khazzikannum (Tall al-Mashrafa) and the location of Ta´idu (ARM 26: 357) between Khazzikannum and Kakhat (TH3, 91f Khazzikannum, 107ff Kakhat, 169f Tâdum, map 14).
Localisation based on texts. TH 5, fig. 1.
Archaeological reasons
Based on a survey in 1984, a tall was chosen that fitted the ideal profile for a Mitannian capital:
a favourable location at the intersection of the two main trade routes, as well as a a year-round secured water supply.
a tall that could match a large center of a huge urban complex. Repeated visits to the hill suggested that it contained the remains of two immense structures; the existence of a third large building complex - the east building - became clear when we realised how exactly the original structures were depicted by the contours of the tall.
Survey 1984. TH 5, fig. 2