Occupied the land we now refer to as Turkey. Inhabited areas such as Asia Minor, North Syria, and Anatolia. Hittites neighborhood other civilizations like Egypt and Syria. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. Their geography/location allowed Hittites access to useful ores that include iron, copper, and lead. This benefited the hittites, for they used those ores to craft various tools and objects.

 Emerged around 2000 BC.  Hittites were at their peak during the 1400’s BC.  Hittites were at their fall around 1200 BC.  Were around for about 800 years total.

 Was believed to be the first constitutional monarchy.  The Hittite Government was fair and humane in its punishments.  Had a peaceful and profitable relationship with people they conquered.  An assembly of noblemen known as the Pankus monitored the King’s activities and had the power to remove and install kings as needed.  When a law of succession was adopted, the Pankus no longer had a reason to exist.  In return for protection and trading status, vassal states would often contribute money and troops to the empire’s cause.

Economy was based on trade Major Trade Objects Silver Copper Iron Gold Tools/Weapons Wool & Woolen Clothes In return for tin, they sold gold, silver, copper, wool and woolen clothes as well.

Polytheistic Supreme deity was Teshub the storm god Hittite king was high priest of the kingdom King was also said to be the earthly deputy of the storm god, and when he died he became a god himself. When a new territory was conquered their gods were mixed in with the previous ones. Syrian, Hurrion, and Anatolian divinities were included Beliefs Writing The Hittites wrote in eight different languages 1.Hittite (Nesili) 2.Native Hattian 3.Mitanni 4.Native Hurrian 5.Akkadian 6.Luwian 7.Palaic 8.Sumerian Akkadian and Hittite language were the most used and they were used for international correspondence and royal and religious writing.

Technology Lightest and fastest chariots of the age Smelting- copper and iron. Some gold. Weapons- bronze sickle swords and battle axes. Only people with smelting. Powerhouse. Sickle Sword Head and blade of axe. Technology and Writing Clay tablets Blunt reed

Art Derived from Babylonian and Sumerian Art Merged with Syrian Art Most important activity - circa BC Elaborate gold and bronze works Architecture Buildings were mud and brick. Even palaces were not made of precious stones. Gateways with animal figures

 2,000 B.C.- the Hittites entered Asia minor.  Expansion began around 1900 B.C. through diplomacy and force.  Expanded and contracted until 1400 B.C.  Eventually expanded out of Asia Minor.  Conflict with Egypt over Syria created a rivalry between the two. The Battle of Kadesh in 1300 B.C. and a growing Assyrian power to the east eventually led to a peace treaty.  Treaty signed around 1280 B.C.  Around 1200 B.C., the Hittite empire suddenly collapsed.  A possible explanation was that their army grew weak during times of peace, leaving them open to attack.

Hittite Empire Egyptian Empire Assyrian Empire

 Among one of first civilizations to work and craft with meteoric iron.  Left remains that told of the relationships as well as the negotiations the Hittites had with other civilizations during that time.  Hittites left us with several ancient artifacts such as ceremonial daggers, tablets, pointed shoes, and thrones.  Built one of the lightest and fastest chariots of that time period.  Created stone and iron tools/objects that led to modern tools/objects.

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