Hittites

Hittites
Ennomus · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Hittites
Region	Anatolia
Period	Bronze Age
Dates	1600–1178 BC
Languages	Hittite language
Capitals	Hattusa
Notable cities	Boğazkale, Alacahöyük
Common languages	Akkadian language, Luwian language
Religion	Hittite mythology
Key figures	Suppiluliuma I, Mursili II, Muwatalli II

Hittites. The Hittites were a powerful and influential civilization that flourished in Anatolia during the Bronze Age, interacting with other major powers such as the Egyptians, Mitanni, and Mycenaeans. Their history is closely tied to the cities of Hattusa, Boğazkale, and Alacahöyük, which served as centers of politics, economy, and culture. The Hittites were known for their complex Hittite mythology, which included gods like Teshub and Hebat, and their diplomatic relations, as evidenced by the Treaty of Kadesh between Ramses II of Egypt and Hattusili III of the Hittites.

Introduction

The Hittites were a major force in the ancient Near East, with their empire stretching from Anatolia to Syria and Levant. They were in constant interaction with neighboring kingdoms, including the Ammurapi of Ugarit and the Pharaohs of Egypt, such as Thutmose III and Amenhotep III. The Hittites also had significant cultural exchange with the Mycenaeans of Greece, as seen in the Luwian language and Hittite art. Their capital, Hattusa, was a center of learning and culture, with influences from Babylon and Assyria.

History

The history of the Hittites is divided into several periods, including the Old Hittite Kingdom under Hattusili I and Mursili I, and the New Hittite Kingdom under Suppiluliuma I and Mursili II. The Hittites were also involved in several significant battles, including the Battle of Kadesh against the Egyptians and the Battle of Nihriya against the Mitanni. They also formed alliances with other kingdoms, such as the Treaty of Alalakh with Idrimi of Alalakh. The Hittites had interactions with the Kassites of Babylon and the Arameans of Syria, and their empire eventually declined after the Sea Peoples invasion.

Geography and Cities

The Hittites inhabited a vast territory in central Anatolia, with their capital Hattusa located near modern-day Boğazkale. Other significant cities included Alacahöyük, Sapinuwa, and Masat Höyük. The Hittites also controlled several cities in Syria and Levant, including Aleppo and Qatna. Their geography was characterized by the Central Anatolian Plateau and the surrounding mountains, including the Pontic Mountains and the Taurus Mountains. The Hittites had trade relations with the Minoans of Crete and the Cypriots of Cyprus.

Society and Culture

Hittite society was divided into several classes, including the royal family, nobles, and commoners. They had a complex system of governance, with the king serving as the supreme authority, as seen in the reign of Tudhaliya IV. The Hittites also had a rich cultural heritage, with significant contributions to Hittite art, Hittite architecture, and Hittite music. They worshipped a pantheon of gods, including Teshub, Hebat, and Sharruma, and their mythology was influenced by the Mesopotamian mythology of Babylon and Assyria. The Hittites also had interactions with the Phoenicians of Tyre and the Aeolians of Lesbos.

Language and Writing

The Hittites spoke the Hittite language, which belonged to the Anatolian languages family. They used a system of writing known as Cuneiform script, which was adapted from the Akkadian language and Sumerian language. The Hittites also used the Luwian language and Hieroglyphic Luwian for monumental inscriptions, as seen in the Yazılıkaya temple. Their language and writing system were influenced by the Mitanni and the Kassites, and they had significant literary contributions, including the Tale of Zalpa and the Song of Ullikummi.

Legacy and Discovery

The Hittites were rediscovered in the 19th century, with the excavation of Hattusa by Heinrich Schliemann and Hugo Winckler. Their legacy can be seen in the modern-day Turkish language and Turkish culture, which have been influenced by the Hittites and other ancient civilizations of Anatolia. The Hittites have also been the subject of significant scholarly research, with contributions from Archibald Sayce, Bedřich Hrozný, and Emmanuel Laroche. Their history and culture continue to be studied by scholars, including Itamar Singer and Trevor Bryce, and their impact can be seen in the modern-day understanding of the ancient Near East, including the Aegean civilization and the Near Eastern archaeology. Category:Ancient civilizations