Hittites: the ancient empire that civilization forgot
The Hittites were once a dominant force in the ancient world. They were fierce warriors, skilled diplomats, and master builders who challenged empires like Egypt and reshaped the Near East. Yet despite their power and influence, their legacy slipped into obscurity for centuries, buried beneath ruins and forgotten by time.
Rediscovered through archaeology and ancient texts, click on to learn more about this fascinating empire.
Who were the Hittites?
The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who built a powerful empire in present-day Turkey. They emerged around 1600 BCE and played a major role in Bronze Age politics.
A warrior civilization
The Hittites were formidable warriors. Their military innovations included the use of iron weapons and advanced chariot tactics, which helped them dominate rivals in Anatolia and the Near East.
Their mysterious origins
The Hittites likely descended from Indo-European-speaking migrants who arrived in Anatolia around 2000 BCE. They absorbed local cultures to create a unique fusion civilization.
The Hittite legal code
Hittite laws were progressive for their time, focusing on compensation rather than punishment. They addressed everything from theft and marriage to animal rights and temple protocol.
A pantheon of Gods
The Hittites were polytheistic, worshiping a vast pantheon of deities. Their religion blended native and foreign elements, with storm gods, sun goddesses, and underworld spirits playing central roles.
The storm god
Their chief deity was a storm god called Tarhunt or Teshub. He symbolized royal power, war, and weather—vital concerns in an agrarian and militaristic society.
The Tawagalawa letter
This famous diplomatic letter between a Hittite king and the Mycenaean Greeks shows their involvement in Aegean affairs and offers a rare glimpse into Bronze Age international relations.
Queen Puduhepa
Puduhepa, wife of Hattusili III, was a high priestess and diplomat. She corresponded with Egyptian royalty and helped shape foreign policy during the empire's height.
Architectural marvels
Hittite architecture included fortified cities, ceremonial gates, and massive stone lions. They also built sprawling palaces with columned halls and complex water systems.
The royal archives of Hattusa
Thousands of clay tablets found in Hattusa's archives record treaties, religious texts, and legal documents. These writings are a treasure trove for understanding Hittite civilization.
Collapse of the empire
Around 1200 BCE, the Hittite Empire fell during the Bronze Age Collapse, likely due to invasions, famine, and internal strife. Their capital was abandoned and forgotten for centuries.
Rediscovery in the 20th century
Hittite civilization remained a mystery until the 20th century, when archaeologists uncovered Hattusa and deciphered Hittite cuneiform, revolutionizing our understanding of Bronze Age history.
Trade and diplomacy
The Hittites were savvy traders and diplomats, dealing in metals, textiles, and horses. They maintained complex relations with Egypt, Assyria, and Mycenaean Greece.
Linguistic treasures
The Hittite archives contained texts in multiple languages, including Akkadian, Sumerian, and Hurrian, showcasing their multilingual and multicultural world.
