Rediscovering the mighty Hittite civilization

In the dynamic narrative of human history, certain civilizations stand out prominently yet ultimately fade into obscurity. Today, we set out on an intriguing exploration to uncover the tale of the Hittite civilization, a formidable power that flourished during the Bronze Age but was overlooked for many centuries.

The Hittite civilization, with Indo-European roots, emerged around 2300 BC in what is now Turkey. It became a significant power of its time, recognized for its achievements in the arts, literature, trade and, above all, military advances. The Hittites pioneered the use of innovative weaponry, such as the three-person war chariot, which transformed the nature of combat. Their military strength was further enhanced by a well-organized structure and a powerful cavalry, with the warhorse considered almost sacred.

The establishment of the Hittite Empire dates back to 1650 BC, when King Atos I captured the city of Atuza and designated it as his capital. During his rule, the Hittite people integrated the Atites, forming a cohesive and centralized kingdom. This initial empire experienced considerable growth, highlighted by King Murcile I's conquests of Aleppo and Babylon, which brought immense wealth and influence over far-reaching territories.

After the death of King Telepinu, the last monarch of the Old Empire, Hittite civilization entered its Middle Empire phase. This period was marked by a reduction in royal power and an increase in invasions by western tribes, including the Mycenaeans and the Dorians. The emergence of the Casca in the Black Sea region forced the Hittites to move their capital from Atuza to Sapenua.

Despite these adversities, the Hittites forged alliances and strategic agreements with neighboring entities. They adopted the cuneiform writing of the Assyrians and integrated religious customs from various cultures, thus expanding their pantheon and solidifying their control over disputed regions.

The period of the New Empire began in 1344 BC with the rise of High King Lima. His leadership represented the height of Tito influence, notably marked by the famous Battle of Kadesh against Pharaoh Ramses II. Although both factions proclaimed victory, this confrontation solidified the status of the Hittite Empire as Egypt's military rival, culminating in the historic Treaty of Kadesh, recognized as the oldest known peace agreement.

However, the decline of the Hittite Empire was inevitable. Around 1200 BC, the Assyrians, equipped with advanced weapons and tactics, successfully subdued the Hittite Empire. The once-thriving civilization disintegrated into independent city-states and was finally absorbed by the Assyrians, which led to the extinction of the Hittites' former splendour.

For many centuries, the Hittites were largely ignored in historical accounts, appearing only occasionally in Egyptian and Assyrian documents, as well as in Homer's Iliad. It was only in 1906 that German archaeologist Hugo Winckler discovered a significant collection of 10,000 cuneiform inscriptions in a royal archive. In 1913, linguist Bedřich Hrozný successfully deciphered these texts, providing the first indications of an Indo-European language and shedding light on the advanced culture and history of the Hittites.

The long-hidden Hittite civilization has regained its rightful position in the historical record due to dedicated archaeological research. This Bronze Age empire, known for its formidable armed forces, rich cultural contributions and intricate social systems, now ranks among the prominent civilizations of its time.

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