GEOGRAPHY•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.

Time Period

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.

Government

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 Pankusno longer had a reason to exist.

In return for protection and trading status, vassal states would often contribute money and troops tothe empire’s cause.

Economy

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.

Writing & Beliefs

•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 languages1. Hittite (Nesili) 2. Native Hattian 3. Mitanni4. Native Hurrian5. Akkadian 6. Luwian7. 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 & Architecture

Art•Derived from Babylonian and Sumerian Art•Merged with Syrian Art•Most important activity - circa 1450-1200 BC•Elaborate gold and bronze works

Architecture

•Buildings were mud and brick.•Even palaces were not made of precious stones.•Gateways with animal figures

Rise and Fall

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.

Map of the Hittite Empire

Hittite Empire

Egyptian Empire

Assyrian Empire

Contributions 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.

SourceEncyclopedia.com www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Hittitea.htmlInfoPlease.com www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0858639.htmlHistoryForKids.orghttp://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/hittites.htmAngelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/unkemptgoose/Hittite.htmlHistoryforkids.org http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/history/assyrians.htm Newworld encyclopedia.orghttp://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Hittites#Religion_and_the_Role_of_WomenHeritageinstitute.comhttp://heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/ranghaya/hittites.htm