Architecture and Design
Hittite temples were massive stone constructions featuring altars, courtyards, and intricate reliefs of gods, animals, and celestial motifs. Many were dedicated to Tarhunt, the storm god, reflecting the civilization’s dependence on weather for agriculture and survival.
Ritual Practices
Priests conducted offerings, sacrifices, and divination ceremonies. Rituals often aligned with seasonal cycles to ensure prosperity and protect the empire from natural and spiritual threats. Temples also served as community centers for political and judicial gatherings.
Cultural Legacy
Though many Hittite sites were destroyed or buried, their religious practices, inscriptions, and architectural techniques reveal a sophisticated understanding of theology, cosmology, and societal governance. Modern archaeology continues to uncover insights about their worship and daily life.
