By Becky Schlofner, correspondent writer
When reading through the Bible, listening to the readings or the Gospel at church, we hear about a lot about different people and places. Who were they? Where were they? I’m going to explore some of these civilizations, and today we start with the Hittites.
The Hittites were part of Indo-European speaking groups that migrated into Anatolia around the late 3rd millennium BC and assimilated with the indigenous Hattian population, laying the foundations for what would become the Hittite state. Nestled in the heartland of ancient Anatolia, the Hittites forged an empire that rivaled the might of Egypt and Babylon, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of the ancient Near East. Their sophisticated civilization, characterized by pioneering iron technology, formidable chariotry, and a complex legal and religious system, held sway for nearly half a millennium, shaping the political and cultural landscape of the Bronze Age. Their use of iron gave them an advantage over other civilizations, and they fought battles against the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.
For 450 years or more they ruled the area that covered most of what is modern day Turkey/Asia Minor, other areas near the shores of the Black Sea, and the rivers of Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, and their power was felt in these places. Sophisticated cities full of impressive temples and palaces were built into the Anatolian rocky countryside, and a massive library of cuneiform tablets that included texts in ancient languages and sacred rituals were kept.
Their language was a cuneiform language showing the influence of Mesopotamia. Archaeological discoveries also show a hieroglyphic script that was used in their monuments. Hattian, Hurrian and luwain populations also were part of their society, influencing their religion and art. Some of the people went by the name “Hatti” and remnants of them were found in city-states in Northern Syria. This coincides with a mention in the Old Testament that the Hittites gave tribute to Solomon about 950 BC. The power of their empire was still strong as mentioned in 2 Kings 7:6, when the Syrians ran because they thought they heard the chariots of the Hittites and Egyptians.
Hittie civilization can be separated into three periods: the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. From around 1700 through 1178 BC., various kings rose and fell and fortunes came and went. Some highlights of this time included the sacking of Babylon by King Musili I around 1595 BC, the unification of Anatolian city-states, and the establishment of Hattusa as the capital by Kings Labarna and Hattusili I. By the time of the New Kingdom, their Empire stretched from the Aegean coast to Mesopotamia and the Levant.
During this period, the Battle of Kadesh took place against Ramesses II of Egypt (c. 1274 BC). Kadesh was part of the Hittite Empire located in present-day Syria by Hims, and Ramesses wanted it back. This resulted in the largest and most aggressive chariot-driven battle in history. There was so much back and forth fighting with over 5000 troops dead that eventually there was no winner in this conflict; it was a draw and brought about the first peace treaty in history, signaling the beginning of modern diplomacy.
Hittite civilization was also characterized by its structured legal system, rich pantheon of gods, and impressive architectural achievements. Hittite law codes were remarkably progressive, often emphasizing restitution and compensation over corporal punishment or execution. Their religion was polytheistic, and their cities like Hattusa were fortified with impressive walls and gates adorned with guardian lions and sphinxes. Relief carvings, often depicting religious scenes, military triumphs, and royal processions, adorned their temples and rock sanctuaries. The site of Yazılıkaya, an open-air sanctuary near Hattusa, showcases stunning rock-cut reliefs of their deities.
While the Hittie people lived in the valley, evidence has shown that the surrounding hills supported thousands of sheep and goats. Storage ponds were cut into the soil to save rainwater, and underground pits saved their grains. These helped the people to survive in times of drought that plagued the country throughout the time they were there. Hattusa was surrounded by a huge stone wall which is still present today, and the entrance to the city has a pyramid shape with a narrow gate and sphynx statues to greet visitors. The stark whiteness of these can be seen from nearly twelve miles away even today, and they are quite formidable.
The Hittites vanished around 1180 BCE. It’s been found that a lot of palace infighting had begun to run rampant, and royal assassinations became a norm. Disease epidemics also ran their course through the land. As the Hittites’ time drew close to an end, their language and writing styles changed. This usually happens when there is social strife or an upheaval occurring in a multiethnic culture. Other suggestions about the cause of their demise indicate climate change, as some sites indicate a three-year-long drought took place about that time. Around 1180 BC the people methodically abandoned their capitol city Hatussa, which was eventually burned down. The Assyrians ultimately took over the land that was once the Hittite Empire, and the Hittites were absorbed into their nation by the ninth century BC.
RESOURCES:
- Biblegateway.com
- National Geographic
- Wikipedia
- World History Encyclopedia
