The Hittites, an ancient Anatolian civilization that thrived in the second millennium BCE, were once lost to the pages of history. Their rediscovery in the late 19th century brought to light one of the great empires of the ancient Near East. The photograph above provides a glimpse into the monumental remnants of their cities, specifically the Lion Gate of Hattusa, the Hittite capital.
The Hittites emerged in central Anatolia, around present-day Turkey, during the Early Bronze Age.
They consolidated power under King Hattusili I (c. 1650 BCE), who established Hattusa as the capital.
Their empire reached its zenith during the reign of Suppiluliuma I (c. 1350 BCE), encompassing parts of modern Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon.
The Hittites were pioneers in ironworking, among the first to enter the Iron Age.
They developed a complex legal system and had diplomatic relations with neighboring powers, such as Egypt.
Hattusa, the Hittite capital, is located near the modern village of Boğazkale in Turkey.
The city was divided into a lower and upper town, both surrounded by impressive stone walls.
The walls featured several gates, including the famous Lion Gate and King's Gate.
As seen in the image, this gate is flanked by two massive lion statues.
The lions symbolize protection and strength.
Decorated with the relief of a warrior deity.
An impressive artificial embankment with a secret tunnel beneath it.
The Great Temple in the lower city was dedicated to the storm god and sun goddess.
The upper city housed smaller temples, the royal palace, and administrative buildings.
Another important Hittite city known for its Sphinx Gate and royal tombs.
A rock sanctuary near Hattusa with carvings depicting Hittite gods and goddesses.
A major Hittite city on the Euphrates River, now an archaeological site in Syria.
Archaeologists Charles Texier and William Wright rediscovered Hattusa and identified it as the Hittite capital.
Clay tablets from the royal archives, written in cuneiform, were deciphered, providing crucial insights.
Systematic excavations began in the early 20th century, revealing city walls, gates, temples, and palaces.
The Lion Gate was restored, and ongoing excavations continue to uncover more of the city's secrets.
The Hittites influenced subsequent civilizations, including the Assyrians and Phrygians.
Their legal and administrative systems were advanced for their time.
The Treaty of Kadesh, signed with Egypt's Pharaoh Ramses II, is one of the oldest surviving peace treaties.
Hattusa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its historical and archaeological significance.
The lost cities of the Hittites, particularly Hattusa, are a window into an ancient world once forgotten. The Lion Gate, King's Gate, and other monumental structures stand as enduring symbols of Hittite power and ingenuity. Their rediscovery has provided invaluable insights into a civilization that shaped the ancient Near East and left a lasting legacy for generations to come.
