Hittites
Discover an ancient civilization!
Culture/ Geography
The Hittites formed in Turkey and Northern Syria in around 1600 BC. The Hittite kingdom was centered on the lands surrounding Hattusa and Nesa. Hattusa was named capital of Hittite. The area was soon encompassed by the bend of the Halys River, which was considered the core of the Empire. The climate was usually hot and dry summers with cool and wet winters.
Religion, Language, Writing, and Belief System
Hittite religion and mythology were deeply influenced by their Hattic, Mesopotamian, and Hurrian farther regions. "Storm Gods" were prominent in the Hittite religion, Tarhunt was considered to be "the conqueror" or "the King of Heaven". In the Hittite language there are many loanwords, particularly religious vocabulary from the non-Indo-European language. The Hittite often wrote about their gods.
Political and Social Structures
The Hittite king was the lead ruler who made all decisions when it came to running his civilization. He was the judge, legislator, and ruled out the punishment. In Hittite the social structure was that you were either a free man or a dependant. The free men were the families, farmers, and everyday job people. The dependents were the slaves and deportees. But in this civilization men and woman roles were equal.
Accomplishments
The biggest achievement the Hittites did was making the horse-drawn war chariot. The chariot held three men in the back, this chariot came in handy when they were in battles because it helped them stay protected.
Decline/Fall
Recent evidence says that the Hittite kingdom was invaded and burned down int he 12th century BC. But there is evidence claiming that the kingdom was invaded after the citizens had already abandoned Hittite. They carried off the cities most valuable objects, including all of the kingdom records. Hittite was more of a ghost town during its final days.