The Ancient Hittite Civilization
The Hittite civilization was one of the most powerful and influential cultures of the ancient Near East during the second millennium BCE. Emerging in the region of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), the Hittites established a formidable empire that rivaled the great powers of Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria. Known for their military innovations, advanced legal systems, and diplomatic strategies, the Hittites left a lasting legacy that shaped the political and cultural landscape of the ancient world.
This article provides an in-depth overview of the Hittite civilization, including its origins, political structure, economy, society, religion, art, military power, and ultimate decline.
Origins and Early History
The Hittites were an Indo-European people who migrated into Anatolia around 2000 BCE. They gradually assimilated with the indigenous Hattians, from whom they borrowed many cultural and religious practices. The earliest Hittite settlements were located in central Anatolia, with Hattusa becoming the political and cultural capital.
Sources of Information
Much of what we know about the Hittites comes from:
Cuneiform tablets discovered at Hattusa
Egyptian records (such as the Treaty of Kadesh)
Biblical references (as the Hittites are mentioned in the Old Testament)
The Old Kingdom (c.1650–1500 BCE)
The Old Hittite Kingdom was established by King Labarnas I (or Hattusili I), who expanded Hittite influence across Anatolia. He moved the capital to Hattusa, strategically located for defense and trade.
Key Features
Formation of a centralized monarchy
Introduction of written laws and administration
Expansion through military campaigns
However, internal conflicts and external invasions led to a period of instability, known as the Middle Kingdom, during which Hittite power declined.
The Hittite Empire (New Kingdom, c.1400–1200 BCE)
The New Kingdom, also called the Hittite Empire, marked the height of Hittite power. Kings such as Suppiluliuma I (c.1350–1322 BCE) transformed the Hittites into a major superpower.
Major Achievements
Conquest of northern Syria and control of important trade routes
Establishment of diplomatic relations with Egypt and Babylon
Signing of the world’s first known peace treaty with Egypt after the Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE)
The empire stretched from Anatolia to northern Syria and Mesopotamia, making the Hittites one of the great powers of the Late Bronze Age.
Government and Administration
The Hittite government was a monarchy, but the king’s power was limited by a council of nobles called the panku. The king was both a political and religious leader.
Key Features
King (Labarnas): Head of state, supreme judge, and military commander
Panku Council: Advisory body that could even influence royal succession
Laws: The Hittite legal system was advanced, focusing on compensation rather than harsh punishments
Society and Daily Life
Hittite society was hierarchical but relatively flexible compared to other ancient civilizations.
Social Classes
Royalty and Nobility: The king, queen (Tawananna), and royal family
Warriors and Officials: Military leaders and administrators
Farmers and Artisans: Majority of the population
Slaves: Mostly prisoners of war, but with some rights under Hittite law
Daily Life
Houses were made of mudbrick with wooden beams
Diet included bread, barley, beer, meat, and dairy products
Women had certain legal rights and could own property
Economy and Trade
The Hittite economy was based on agriculture, trade, and tribute from conquered regions.
Key Economic Features
Agriculture: Wheat, barley, and livestock farming
Trade: Controlled major trade routes between the Aegean, Mesopotamia, and Levant
Metallurgy: Skilled in ironworking, which gave them a military advantage
The Hittites were among the first to develop iron tools and weapons, marking the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.
Religion and Mythology
Hittite religion was polytheistic and heavily influenced by Mesopotamian and Hattian beliefs.
Major Deities
Tarhunt (or Teshub): Storm god, chief deity
Arinna: Sun goddess
Telepinu: God of fertility
Religious Practices
Temples were central to Hittite cities
Sacrifices and rituals for agricultural fertility
Myths such as the Telepinu Myth reveal their worldview
Art and Architecture
Hittite art and architecture reflected their power and religious devotion.
Architecture
Hattusa: Capital city with massive fortifications, gates, and temples
Lions’ Gate and King’s Gate: Famous entrances adorned with stone carvings
Use of cyclopean walls for defense
Art
Stone reliefs depicting gods, kings, and mythological scenes
Use of seals for administration and trade
Military Power and Innovations
The Hittites were known for their military strength and chariot warfare.
Key Features
Chariots: Lighter and faster than those of their rivals
Iron Weapons: Gave them an edge over Bronze Age powers
Professional Army: Well-organized and disciplined
The Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE) against Egypt was one of the largest chariot battles in history and ended in the first known written peace treaty.
Decline and Collapse
The Hittite Empire collapsed around 1200 BCE, during the Late Bronze Age collapse.
Causes
Invasions by the Sea Peoples
Internal rebellions and political instability
Economic difficulties and climate change
After the collapse, smaller Neo-Hittite states emerged in Syria and southeastern Anatolia, lasting until around 700 BCE.
Legacy of the Hittites
The Hittites made significant contributions to ancient civilization:
Iron technology: Pioneers of ironworking
Legal reforms: Humane legal codes
Diplomacy: First recorded peace treaty in history
Cultural exchange: Influenced neighboring civilizations
Today, the ruins of Hattusa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and thousands of clay tablets provide valuable insights into their society.
The Hittite civilization was far more than just a regional power in Anatolia; it was one of the cornerstones of the ancient Near Eastern world. Their rise from small Indo-European settlements to a vast empire that rivaled Egypt and Babylon demonstrates a story of resilience, innovation, and adaptability. Through their political organization, legal systems, and military strategies, the Hittites established a model of governance that influenced later cultures.
One of their most enduring achievements was the development of advanced laws based on fairness and compensation rather than brutal retribution, showcasing a progressive approach for its time. The Hittites also played a key role in the transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, pioneering the use of iron tools and weapons, which revolutionized warfare and agriculture in the ancient world. This technological advancement alone reshaped human history, as it marked the beginning of a new era.
Their diplomatic skills were equally impressive. The Treaty of Kadesh, signed with Egypt after years of conflict, stands as the world’s first known written peace treaty, setting a precedent for future international relations. This demonstrates that the Hittites were not only warriors but also skilled negotiators who understood the value of stability and alliances in an age of constant warfare.
Culturally, the Hittites created a unique blend of Indo-European traditions and local Anatolian practices, which resulted in a rich tapestry of religion, art, and architecture. Their pantheon, myths, and rituals provide deep insights into the spiritual life of the ancient Near East. The magnificent ruins of Hattusa, with its monumental gates, temples, and fortifications, remain a testament to their architectural prowess and organizational skills.
Despite their eventual decline around 1200 BCE, likely due to a combination of internal strife, external invasions, and widespread Bronze Age collapse, the Hittites left an indelible mark on history. Their innovations in law, diplomacy, and technology influenced neighboring civilizations and later cultures. Even after their empire fell, the Neo-Hittite states kept aspects of their culture alive for centuries.
In the grand narrative of ancient history, the Hittites symbolize both the fragility and strength of early empires. Their story is one of innovation, adaptability, and cultural fusion, which helped shape the foundations of modern civilization. As archaeology continues to uncover their secrets, the Hittites will remain a subject of fascination, offering valuable lessons about the rise and fall of complex societies.
Sources
Bryce, Trevor. The Kingdom of the Hittites. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Beckman, Gary. “Hittite Diplomatic Texts.” Society of Biblical Literature, 1996.
