 Arhalba only ruled for two years and was forced to abdicate in favor of his brother by the Hittite king Mursili II after his failed attempt to reproach Egypt for an alliance against the Hittites.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.