Who were the Hittites and what did they do?
The Hittites ( / ˈhɪtaɪts /) were an Anatolian people who played an important role in establishing first a kingdom in Kussara before 1750 BC, then the Kanesh or Nesha kingdom (c. 1750–1650 BC), and next an empire centered on Hattusa in north-central Anatolia around 1650 BC.
When did the Old Kingdom of Hittites begin and end?
1700 BC - The Hittite Old Kingdom begins 1680 BC - 1650 BC - Reign of Lebarnas I: founder of the kingdom, united the homeland 1650 BC - 1620 BC - Reign of Hattusilis I, son of Lebarnas: moved Hittite capital to Hattusa and carried the kingdom to as far as the Euphrates
When did the Hittites come into conflict?
Between the 15th and 13th centuries BC, the Empire of Hattusa, conventionally called the Hittite Empire, came into conflict with the New Kingdom of Egypt, the Middle Assyrian Empire and the empire of Mitanni for control of the Near East.
When did the Hittites come to Egypt?
Hittite Old Kingdom c. 1590 BC (red); Hittite Empire at its maximum c. 1300 BC (orange): Egyptian sphere of influence (green). In the Central Anatolian settlement of Ankuwa, home of the pre-Hittite goddess Kattaha and the worship of other Hattic deities illustrates the ethnic differences in the areas the Hittites tried to control.
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How long did the Hittites rule?
HittitesHittite Empire Ḫa-at-tu-ša / 𒄩𒀜𒌅𒊭c. 1650 BC–c. 1190 BCRoyal seal of the last king Šuppiluliuma IIMap of the Hittite Empire at its greatest extent, with Hittite rule c. 1350–1300 BC represented by the green lineCapitalHattusa, Tarḫuntašša (under the reign of Muwatalli II)15 more rows
When did the Hittite empire start?
Hittite, member of an ancient Indo-European people who appeared in Anatolia at the beginning of the 2nd millennium bce; by 1340 bce they had become one of the dominant powers of the Middle East.
How long did the Hittites rule Egypt?
The New Kingdom, also known as the Hittite Empire (1400-1200 BCE)
How did the Hittite empire end?
It is believed that the Hittite capital of Hattusa was sacked by the Kaskas in 1190 BC and burnt to the ground, gradually becoming abandoned over a period of several decades as the Hittite Empire disintegrated to the encroaching Assyrians.
Who defeated the Hittites?
Pharaoh Ramses IIIt was fought in 1275 B.C.E. in present-day Syria between the Egyptians under Pharaoh Ramses II, and the Hittites under King Muwatalli II, who were supported by eighteen of their allied and vassal states.
What race were Hittites?
Indo-EuropeansWe now know that these people we call Hittites were Indo-Europeans, belonging to the so-called Anatolian branch of the Indo-European language family. The similarity between Hittite and other Indo-European languages was quickly established.
Are Armenians descendants of Hittites?
Modern DNA research indicates that many people who today call themselves Armenian descend from the most ancient peoples of Anatolia. The Biblical Hittite Empire (seventeenth to twelfth centuries BC) and the kingdom of Urartu (Ararat, ninth to the sixth centuries BC) were among those that ruled the area.
What language did Hittites speak?
Hittite (natively 𒌷𒉌𒅆𒇷 nišili / "the language of Neša", or nešumnili / "the language of the people of Neša"), also known as Nesite (Nešite / Neshite, Nessite), is an extinct Indo-European language that was spoken by the Hittites, a people of Bronze Age Anatolia who created an empire centred on Hattusa, as well as parts ...
What god did the Hittites worship?
Hittite sun goddess, the principal deity and patron of the Hittite empire and monarchy. Her consort, the weather god Taru, was second to Arinnitti in importance, indicating that she probably originated in matriarchal times.
What does Hittites mean in Hebrew?
In Biblical Names the meaning of the name Hittite is: One who is broken, who fears.
Who did the Hittites descend from?
The Hittites were an ancient people that lived in the Anatolia region in Asia Minor, which is modern day Turkey. The Bible says the Hittites were descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons. The Hittites rose to great power and prosperity during the 14th to the 11th centuries and became the powerful Hatti Empire.
Do Hittites still exist?
The Bronze Age civilization of Central Anatolia (or Turkey), which we today call Hittite, completely disappeared sometime around 1200 B.C. We still do not know exactly what happened, though there is no lack of modern theories, but that it was destroyed, of that there can be no doubt.
Are Armenians descendants of Hittites?
Modern DNA research indicates that many people who today call themselves Armenian descend from the most ancient peoples of Anatolia. The Biblical Hittite Empire (seventeenth to twelfth centuries BC) and the kingdom of Urartu (Ararat, ninth to the sixth centuries BC) were among those that ruled the area.
Where was the Hittite Empire located?
The Hittite Empire was centered in Asia Minor. At its maximum boundaries, it extended from the Aegean coast of Anatolia, east to the Euphrates River, southeastward into Syria as far as Damascus, and south along the eastern Mediterranean coast of the Levant.
What was the peak of Hittite power?
Peak of Hittite power. Battle of Kadesh between Pharaoh Ramesses II of Egypt and King Muwatalli II of the Hittites . First Peace Treaty in the world signed between Ramesses II of Egypt and Hattusili III of the Hittites . Battle of Nihriya: Tukulti-Ninurta I of Assyria defeats Tudahalija IV of the Hittites .
What was the capital of the Hittites?
Hittite capital, Hattusa, burned to the ground by Kaska invaders.
What is the name of the city that the Hittites re-built?
Under the Hittite Warrior-King Hattusili, campaigns are carried to completion subjugating the Hatti. Hattusa is re-built as the Hittite capital. The Hatti are assimilated into the Hittite culture .
Who conquered Western Mittani?
Western Mittani is conquered by the Hittites .
Where did the Hittites originate?
Probably originating from the area beyond the Black Sea, the Hittites first occupied central Anatolia, making their capital at Hattusa (modern Boğazköy ). Early kings of the Hittite Old Kingdom, such as Hattusilis I (reigned c. 1650– c. 1620 bce ), consolidated and extended Hittite control over much of Anatolia and northern Syria.
What was the fall of the Hittite Empire?
The fall of the Hittite empire ( c. 1193 bce) was sudden and may be attributed to large-scale migrations that included the Sea Peoples. While the heartland of the empire was inundated by Phrygians, some of the Cilician and Syrian dominions retained their Hittite identity for another five centuries, evolving politically into a multitude of small independent principalities and city-states, which were gradually incorporated by Assyria until by 710 bce the last vestiges of Neo-Hittite political independence had been obliterated.
What religion did the Hittites practice?
The religion of the Hittites is only incompletely known, though it can be characterized as a tolerant polytheism that included not only indigenous Anatolian deities but also Syrian and Hurrian divinities.
What happened after Mursilis?
After the death of Mursilis, a dynastic power struggle ensued, with Telipinus finally gaining control about 1530 bce. In the noted Edict of Telipinus, long upheld by succeeding generations, he attempted to end lawlessness and to regulate the royal succession. Hattusas: Lion Gate.
What is the plastic art of the Hittites?
The plastic art of pre-imperial Hittite culture is scarce; from the Hittite empire, however, many examples have been found of stone sculptures in a powerful, though somewhat unrefined, style. The art of the Late Hittite states is markedly different, showing a composite of Hittite, Syrian, Assyrian, and, occasionally, Egyptian and Phoenician motifs and influences. See also Anatolia: The rise and fall of the Hittites.
What is a Hittite?
See Article History. Hittite, member of an ancient Indo-European people who appeared in Anatolia at the beginning of the 2nd millennium b ce;
Was the Hittite king a ruler?
The Hittite king was not only the chief ruler, military leader, and supreme judge but also the earthly deputy of the storm god; upon dying, he himself became a god. Hittite society was essentially feudal and agrarian, the common people being either freemen, “artisans,” or slaves.
Who Were the Hittites?
Who were the Hittites? At one time the Hittites were one of three superpowers in the ancient world. Tudhaliya IV (1237–1209 B.C.E.) ruled over the Hittite Kingdom during its heyday and is depicted here on a rock carving from the Hittites’ sacred open-air shrine at Yazilikaya, less than a mile from the Hittite capital of Hattusa in present-day Turkey. Photo: Sonia Halliday.
Where did the Hittites come from?
The Hittites, most likely came from what is now Macedonia, or Southern Russia. The Hittites did not come in one fell swoop. Their migration was piecemeal, a slow gradual expansion. They spoke a Indo-European tongue, which influenced later Greek, Latin and Germanic languages/dialects. But, a lot is not known and sadly may never be known, such is the fog of antiquity. To state unequivocally that the Hittites were ‘Armenian’ is a colossal misreading of the facts.
What did the Hittites call themselves?
The older Hittites never self-identified as Hittites, but called their language Nesite and their land Hatti, referring to themselves as the people of Hatti. Had scholars known from the beginning what has been subsequently uncovered, these people would probably be called Nesites or perhaps Nesians.
What was the name of the POC that was a Hamitic POC?
The Hittites were a Hamitic POC. They were a “darkened” or “black” people that descended from the line of Ham the father of the dark races. During the scattering of Babel, the family of Heth divided itself into three groups. One of the groups followed its grandfather “Canaan” to the land of Canaan or “Gods land”, while the others journeyed northwest and east, into Asia Minor (Turkey), and Aramea (Syria).
What is the symbol of Hattusa?
The wall around Hattusa was more than 6 miles long and had several decorated gates. Visitors to the city would enter through the Lion Gate—named for the stone lions on either side of the entrance. The lion was a symbol of protection, defiance and royalty in Hittite culture. Photo: Sonia Halliday Photographs/Photo by Jane Taylor.
Where did the Hittites abandon their land?
In the 14th century B.C.E., Carchemish in northern Syria was made a vice-regal seat. As the Hittites began abandoning the land of Hatti during the region-wide decline at the end of the 12th century B.C.E., they may have fled to this location. Who were the Hittites according to the Bible?
When was Hattusa burned?
Excavation evidence shows that Hattusa was invaded and burned in the early 12th century B.C.E., but this was after the city had largely been abandoned. In the 14th century B.C.E., Carchemish in northern Syria was made a vice-regal seat. As the Hittites began abandoning the land of Hatti during the region-wide decline at the end of the 12th century B.C.E., they may have fled to this location.
What are the two main periods of Hittite history?
The two main periods of Hittite history are customarily referred to as the Old Kingdom ( c. 1650– c. 1500 bce) and the New Kingdom, or Empire ( c. 1400– c. 1180) . The less well-documented interlude of about a hundred years is sometimes referred to as the Middle Kingdom. Among the texts from Boğazköy, preserved or recopied by the imperial archivists, those relating to the Old Kingdom are comparatively few. For many years historians of that period relied for the most part on a single remarkable document: the constitutional Edict of Telipinus, one of its last kings. In contrasting the prosperity of the nation under his earliest predecessors with the decadence into which it had fallen at the time of his own accession, Telipinus provides a useful though not always reliable summary of early Hittite history:
Where did the Hittites come from?
The first knowledge of the Hittites, then, depends upon the appearance of typically Nesite names among the predominant Assyrian and Hattian names of the texts. The problem of the origin of the Hittites has been the subject of some controversy and has not yet been conclusively resolved. On linguistic grounds, some scholars were at first disposed to bring them from lands west of the Black Sea, but it subsequently was shown that this theory conflicts with much archaeological evidence. One authority argues for their arrival in Anatolia from the northeast, basing his theory on the burning or desertion during the 20th century bce of a line of settlements representing the approaches to Cappadocia from that direction. The evidence from the cities near the Kızıl (Halys) River and Cappadocia, however, does not support this picture of an invading army, destroying settlements in its path and evicting their inhabitants. The impression is rather one of peaceful penetration, leading by degrees to a monopoly of political power. From their first appearance among the indigenous Anatolians, the Hittites seem to have mingled freely, while the more flexible Nesite language gradually replaced Hattian. It has even been argued that Anatolia was the original homeland of the Indo-Europeans and that they gradually spread east and west after about 7000 bce, carrying with them not only their language but also the invention of agriculture. There are, however, good grounds for rejecting this theory.
What was the name of the Hittite capital?
Also included in the list is Hattusas (Khattusas), known to be the ancient name of the later Hittite capital at Boğazköy, which Anittas was said to have destroyed.
What was the major disaster during the Hittite era?
A major disaster during this period, which eclipsed other military failures, was the conquest of Cilicia by the Hurrians. This great coastal plain to the south of the Taurus Mountains, known as the “land of Adaniya” ( Adana ), was renamed and became the seat of a Hurrian dynasty. The cities of North Syria were thus rendered inaccessible to the Hittite armies, except through the Southeastern Taurus passes, and remained so until imperial times. When Telipinus sought to establish defensible frontiers, he was forced to conclude a treaty with a king of Kizzuwadna named Isputakhsus and was also compelled to renounce his claims on the neighbouring country of Arzawa.
Where are the names of the places in the Hittites?
With the exception of Landa (probably to the north), the sites are all located in the territory to the south of the Kızıl River called by the Hittites the Lower Land, suggesting the first extension of the Hittite Kingdom from its restricted homeland in the bend of the Kızıl River followed hard upon the establishment of the new capital at Boğazköy. The extent and direction of this expansion may have been unforeseen when the site was chosen. As a mountain stronghold dominating the northeastern corner of the plateau, Boğazköy may at the time have had much to recommend it, but later conquests left it on the periphery of the kingdom, and its security was consequently diminished. This possibility is reflected in the bilingual text, which gives a detailed account of events of six successive years of Hattusilis’ reign.
How far did Mursilis advance down the Euphrates?
Historians have found it difficult to explain the fact that Mursilis’ army was able to advance almost 500 miles down the Euphrates and overcome the defenses of the Mesopotamian capital.
Who was the king of the Hittites?
Afterward Hattusilis became King. Thus, it appears that the Hittites regarded their own history as beginning with a king called Labarnas (Labarnash); this inference is confirmed by the use in later times of his name and that of his wife Tawannannas as dynastic titles or throne names of subsequent rulers.
Which country took advantage of the Hittite rule?
Assyria took advantage of this act and occupied the northern and eastern parts of the country. Suppiluliuma took the rest. Tushratta’s son had to admit the power of Hittite ruler and he ruled with a small, insignificant part of the once-great country.
Where did the Hittites revolt?
Rebellions of the Hittites vassal broke out in the Asia Minor. The territory, which was controlled by Hittite kings in the future, reduced to Hattusa and nearby surroundings of the city. Between 1430 and 1420 BC, authority over the city Hattusa took Tudhaliya I, and became the founder of a new Hittites dynasty.
What was the main reason for the conflict between the Hittites and Arzawa?
The main reason of conflict between Hittites and Arzawa is the text “The charge against Maduvata”. The document is stored in the form of letters, which Maduvata sent to Arnuwanda I, who was at the time co-ruler of Tudhaliya I. Maduvata ruled one of the frontier principalities in western Anatolia and he was not allowed to take any ventures without the consent of the Hittite king. Nevertheless, he attacked Arzawa and he suffered a defeat. Later with Kupanta – Kurunta he made an alliance.
What was the first campaign of Tudhaliya I Annals?
Fragments of the Tudhaliya I Annals recorded two campaigns against Arzawa. The first campaign of Tudhaliya I ended with defeat of Kupanta-Kurunta, “the man from Arzawa”, which saved himself by escaping from the battle. Arzawa controlled a large part of western Asia Minor, and it was a serious threat to the Hittite western border.
What happened to the Hittites after Mursili I died?
After his death, Hittite country was invaded by the civil wars that have severely weakened the country. Mitanni took advantage of that, and it started slowly to enter in to Hittite territory. Rebellions of the Hittites vassal broke out in the Asia Minor. The territory, which was controlled by Hittite kings in the future, reduced to Hattusa and nearby surroundings of the city.
How did Suppiluliuma I influence the Hittites?
First he tried to isolate the country Mitanni. He maintained a good relationship with Egypt, as well as with Kassites Babylon (he married the daughter of kassites king Burna-Buriash II). Suppiluliuma I interfered in the internal problem of the state Mitanni, in a way that he supported Mitanni’s prince, who wanted Tushratta’s (king of Mitanni) throne. Suppiluliuma I made an alliance with Ishuwa (in the northeast) and Nukhashe (in the southwest) and in that way he isolated Mitanni country.
Why was it necessary to justify this usurpation of the throne?
It was necessary to justify this usurpation of the throne, especially since Urhi-Teshub tried several times to regain power. That is how the text of the Hattusili’s Defence was made, and it is one of the most important sources from the time of a new Hittite Empire. This civil war has further destabilized the country, as well as the countries of western Asia Minor.
When did the Hittites begin?
1400 BC - The Hittite Middle Kingdom/ Hittite Empire Begins. 1380 BC - 1336 BC - Reign of Suppiluliuma I: secured Hatti against attacks, ended the Mitanni Empire when at the height of power, regained control over northern Syria with treaties, died of plague in 1336 BC.
Who was the ruler of the Hittites in 1650 BC?
1650 BC - 1620 BC - Reign of Hattusilis I , son of Lebarnas: moved Hittite capital to Hattusa and carried the kingdom to as far as the Euphrates. 1620 BC - 1500's BC - Reign of Mursilis I, adoptive grandson of Hattusilis: defeated Hurrians and destroyed Aleppo, raided Babylon and ended the dynasty, assassinated in palace conspiracy.
What happened in 1310 BC?
1310 BC - 1294 BC - Reign of Muwatallis, son of Mursilis II: revived Egyptian interest in Syria caused problems, Battle of Qadesh, died in 1294 BC. 1300 BC - Battle of Qadesh: battle between the Hittites and Egyptians over control of Syria, Egypt was defeated, Hittite grip on Syria was firm.
Who saved the kingdom and preserves sequence of kings?
1400's BC - Telipinus saves the kingdom and preserves sequence of kings
What did the Hittites adopt?
As Captivating History writes in the book Hittites: A Captivating Guide to the Ancient Anatolian People Who Established the Hittite Empire in Ancient Mesopotamia, “eventually the Hittites would adopt a cuneiform script from the remnants of Assyrian settlements which stayed after the fall of the larger Assyrian Empire.”.
When did the Hittites enter Anatolia?
The Hittites entered Anatolia around 2000 B.C. and their capital would eventually be Hattusha in what is today modern Turkey. It took them about 400 years before they developed. The first ruler of the empire was Hattusili, which meant “the one from Hattusha.”
Why did the Hittites take control of the trade routes and metal sources?
In order to prosper, the Hittites had to take control of the trade routes and metal sources. However, Egyptians were not allowing the Hittite Empire to gain more strategic ground.
Which civilization adopted cuneiform script?
As Captivating History writes in the book Hittites: A Captivating Guide to the Ancient Anatolian People Who Established the Hittite Empire in Ancient Mesopotamia, “eventually the Hittites would adopt a cuneiform script from the remnants of Assyrian settlements which stayed after the fall of the larger Assyrian Empire.”
Where are the Hittites' ruins?
The Hittite Empire is long gone, but their legacy is still kept alive. Their ancient ruins found at sites such as Yazilikaya and Hattusha testify to the greatness of this once-powerful civilization. Also, let us not forget that the earliest depiction of the significant double-headed eagle symbol can be found on ancient monuments in central Anatolia in the ancient Kingdom of the Hittites.
What did the Hittites learn from the ancient cuneiform tablets?
It is from these ancient cuneiform tablets that we have learned about the professions, work, religion, and various aspects of their daily life. The Hittites were a totalitarian regime with the kings ruling with absolute power. All family activities were monitored and controlled.
Which empire did the Assyrians conquer?
The Assyrians much of the Hittite Empire, while the rest was sacked by the Phrygians . This forced the Hittites to split into several independent "Neo-Hittite" city-states, some of which survived until the 8th century B.C before succumbing to the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
Who defeated the Hittites?
There is a gap of almost a century in the history of the Hittites after their defeat by Rameses III. About 1100, however, they became the enemies of the Assyrians. The first expedition of Tiglathpileser I. was undertaken against them. He forced his way through Kummukh, or Commagene, as far as Malatiyeh, and penetrated to Carchemish. Despite a series of expeditions, however, he was unable to pass the last-named city. After the reign of Tiglath-pileser there is no mention of the Hittites in the Assyrian inscriptions until the time of Assur-naṣir-pal (885-860), who extended his conquests to the Hittite cities of Carchemish, Gaza, and Kanulua, penetrating as far as the Mediterranean, and returning laden with booty. The succeeding Assyrian monarch, Shalmaneser II. (860-825), continued the war, and repeatedly ravaged Syria, draining its wealth, and defeating the Hittites, by this time rich and decadent, at Pethor, Sangara, Carchemish, Karkar, and other cities, thus crushing the Hittite power south of the Taurus. In the reign of Tiglath-pileser III., war against the Hittites again broke out, and in 717, during the rule of Sargon, Carchemish was finally conquered, and its last king, Pisiris, became an Assyrian captive.
Where are the Hittites found?
The Hittite monuments are numerous and are found over a wide extent of territory. In their sculpture Babylonian influence is evident, although the physiognomy and costume of the subjects of representation, as well as several minor details, give Hittite art a distinct individuality. As is the case with Babylonian art, the sculptures are usually accompanied with inscriptions. Among the more important monuments of Hittite art may be mentioned those at Ivris in the district corresponding to the ancient Lycaonia; at the Pass of Karabel, near Smyrna; at Sipylus, near Magnesia; at Ghiaurkalessi, in Galatia; at Fassili, in Isauria; at Zenjirli, in the territory corresponding to the ancient Commagene; at Euyuk; and at Boghazkeui, east of the Halys. They are for the most part, therefore, in Asia Minor, although one of themost noteworthy sculptures was found at Sakchegözü in northern Syria. Representations of the Hittites are found also on Egyptian monuments, as at Abu-Simbel and Medinet-Abu. The character of Hittite art is solid, at times even heavy, but excellent in the portrayal of animal forms. The Hittites were also skilled lapidaries and carvers on ivory, as well as clever silversmiths, while their paintings of Egypt give a vivid idea of Hittite tactics in war.
What language is the Hittite language?
The Hittite language, whose alphabet shows at least superficial affinities with the Cypriote and Vannic scripts, is one of the most difficult problems in linguistics. Fantastic theories have not been lacking, of which the hypothesis of Clarke, that the Hittites were akin to the Peruvian Kechua, and that of Campbell, who finds Hittite names in France, Japan, and ancient Mexico, are the most bizarre. A plausible view, defended especially by Sayce and Wright, and more reservedly by De Lantsheere, connects Hittite with the Georgian group of languages, particularly on the basis of the similarity of their formation of the nominative and genitive. Further developments of this view were advanced by Lenormant and Hommel. The latter connects Hittite with New Elamitic, Cossæan, Vannic, and the modern Georgian, and this entire group with Sumerian, thus ultimately with the Turko-Tatar branch of Ural-Altaic. The Altaic affinity of Hittite has been especially emphasized by Conder, whose arguments, however, overleap themselves and prove too much. Rejecting the Altaic hypothesis, Halévy and, for a time, Ball sought to prove Hittite a Semitic language. Their conclusions, however, based on proper names obviously borrowed in many cases from neighboring but unrelated stocks and languages, can not be regarded as valid. The hypothesis has also been advanced that Hittite was an Indo-Germanic language, and was most closely akin to Armenian. The protagonist of this theory is Jensen, who, though confessedly not an expert in Armenian linguistics, has built up a series of ingenious and daring identifications of Hittite words with Armenian. The two Arzava letters, discovered in 1902, are regarded by Bugge and Knudtzon as Hittite, and as connected linguistically with Armenian and even Lycian. The time does not seem yet to have come for a final declaration regarding the linguistic position of the Hittite speech. It is not impossible that a better knowledge of the languages of Asia Minor, shown by the researches of Kretschmer to be neither Semitic nor Indo-Germanic, will throw new light on this problem. Meanwhile, the view which regards Hittite as Georgian in its affinities seems on the whole most probable, although the Armenian hypothesis has certain arguments in its favor. The date of the extinction of Hittite is unknown. If (as is not improbable from the presence of Hittite monuments in Lycaonia) Lycaonian was a Hittite dialect, it was spoken as late as the first century C.E. (Acts xiv. 11).
Who conquered Syria?
In the Egyptian inscriptions the Hittites, who had apparently conquered Syria, first appear in the reign of Thothmes III. (1503-1449), when they received their first decisive reverse. After a battle at Megiddo on the Kishon. Thothmes captured the King of Kadesh; in successive campaigns the Egyptians advanced to Carchemish and Kadesh, and traversed Naharina or Mesopotamia. The Hittites were only temporarily checked, however, and on the death of Thothmes they regained their prestige. The conflict continued under Thothmes IV., while his successor, Amenophis III., was obliged to enter into an alliance with the Hittites, and to marry a princess of their royal house. The son of this union was Amenophis IV., better known as Khu-n-aten, who, attempting to overthrow the Egyptian religion, introduced into Egypt the peculiarly Hittite worship of the sun. At this period the Hittite power was such that a treaty, offensive and defensive, was concluded between Rameses I. and Sap (e)lel, King of the Hittites. On the accession of Seti I. to the Egyptian throne in 1366, the Hittite war was renewed, and Kadesh was taken by surprise, although peace was soon restored. But in the following reign, that of Rameses II., Kadesh was again the scene of a battle, which was described by the Egyptian poet Pentaur two years later. This battle seems to have been indecisive, however, and a new treaty was concluded which was confirmed by the marriage to Rameses of the Hittite princess called by the Egyptians "Urma Noferu-Ra." The demoralization resulting from these wars explains the slight opposition to the Hebrew invasion of Palestine after the Exodus. The friendship of the Hittites and Egyptians lasted, however, through the reign of the successor of Rameses, Me (r)neptaḥ II., who aided the Hittites with food in the time of famine. Before long the Hittite power revived, and in the reign of Rameses III. (1180-1150) they were prominent among the invaders of Egypt. They were beaten back at Migdol, their country was laid waste, their king was captured, and their advance south of Kadesh was definitely checked. From this time the Hittite power in Syria waned, and with the cessation of their conflict withEgypt their name disappears from the Egyptian inscriptions.
What religion did the Hittites practice?
The tolerance and inclusiveness made common sense for the Hittites since it helped them rule the lands. However, towards the end of the empire, during the Hattusili III period, the tolerance and inclusiveness gave way to intolerance. The Hittites adopted the Hurrians' religion and developed more eastern cultural attitude. One reflection of this change was that the kings used to become gods after their death in the Hittite culture. However, as the eastern 2 religion and culture were adopted and became more prevalent the Hittites started making kings as their gods even when they were alive.
What were the values of the Hittites?
Considering the times that the Hittites ruled the central Anatolia, it might be argued that the citizen rights and humanity were highly valued, when compared to the other contemporary (i.e., eastern) cultures. The reasonable and forgiving laws were reflecting these values. The punishment was more balanced with the committed crime. The capital punishment was restricted to a small set of crimes. Slavery, although practiced, was less restrictive than the one in other countries around. For example, a slave could marry to a free woman and if the couple divorces the slave could buy his freedom in the process. One area that the laws were harsh was the illegal practice of close relative marriages, which was punishable with death. Since the women were valued highly, Mother Queens, Tawanannas, played a prominent role in the government affairs and kept their authority till their death. Treatment of women and handling marriages and divorces in general were very modern considering the times this civilization existed. In divorce the property was split equally between man and women. It was acceptable for the man, when married, to join and live with his wife's family, in a reversal of the roles. This is remarkable if even today's societies are considered. Monogamy was the rule except for the kings, who might have more than one wife to improve inter-governmental relations. Even the younger male members of the royal family have to abide the laws and marry to only one woman.
What did the Hittites use to make their money?
The Hittites knew how to extract and process iron. They were using silver ingots as currency. The Hittites had a fairly sophisticated pricing system. In addition silver, gold was also used as a medium of exchange. Even copper and tin were used to express the prices. Shekel and mina were the main units of money.
