The Hittites rose to power in Anatolia around 1600 BCE, becoming one of the major empires of the ancient Near East. Though once rivals of Egypt and Assyria, they faded into obscurity until rediscovered in the 19th century.
Rise of a Powerful Empire
The Hittites built their capital at Hattusa, a heavily fortified city. Their military strength came from:
advanced chariot warfare
ironworking expertise
strategic diplomacy
They famously clashed with Egypt at the Battle of Kadesh, later signing the world’s oldest known peace treaty.
A Culture of Law and Administration
The Hittite legal system was progressive for its time. Instead of brutal punishments, many laws focused on compensation and fairness. Their religion blended Indo-European and local Anatolian traditions.
Collapse and Disappearance
Around 1200 BCE, the Hittite Empire fell during the widespread Bronze Age collapse. Internal conflicts, invasions, and economic troubles contributed to their downfall.
Rediscovery
For centuries, the Hittites were known only from the Bible and Egyptian records. Excavations at Hattusa in the 1800s revealed archives that confirmed the Hittites were a major imperial power.
