Hittites

Definition

The Hittites were an ancient civilization that emerged in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) around the 17th century BCE and became a significant power in the Ancient Mediterranean world until their decline in the late Bronze Age. They are known for their advanced culture, including innovations in law, warfare, and diplomacy, as well as their interactions and rivalries with neighboring states such as Egypt and Assyria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hittite Empire reached its peak during the mid-14th century BCE, becoming a dominant force in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
2. The Hittites are recognized for their contributions to legal systems, with laws that emphasized justice and order, influencing later civilizations.
3. They were skilled warriors, employing advanced chariotry and ironworking technology, which gave them a military advantage over their rivals.
4. The Hittites maintained complex trade networks with neighboring civilizations, exchanging goods such as textiles, metals, and luxury items, which helped bolster their economy.
5. Their decline began around the 12th century BCE due to invasions from the Sea Peoples and internal strife, ultimately leading to the fall of their empire.

Review Questions

• How did the Hittite legal system reflect their society's values and influence neighboring cultures?
  • The Hittite legal system was characterized by a focus on justice and order, with laws that aimed to regulate behavior and provide protection for individuals. This system influenced neighboring cultures by introducing concepts of law and governance that were adopted or adapted by other civilizations. The emphasis on written laws helped solidify societal norms and set precedents that echoed through subsequent cultures in the region.
• Discuss the role of trade networks in establishing the Hittites' power and relationships with other civilizations.
  • Trade networks were crucial to the Hittite Empire's power, enabling them to acquire valuable resources like metals and luxury goods while also providing economic stability. These networks facilitated diplomatic relationships with neighboring states, leading to alliances that enhanced their military capabilities. The Hittites engaged in both trade and conflict with other civilizations, demonstrating how commerce could intertwine with diplomacy in shaping international relations during the Bronze Age.
• Evaluate the significance of the Treaty of Kadesh in the context of Hittite diplomacy and its impact on future international relations.
  • The Treaty of Kadesh is significant as it represents one of the earliest examples of formal diplomacy between two great powers—the Hittites and Egyptians—after a long period of conflict. This treaty not only established peace but also set a precedent for future international agreements by including provisions for mutual defense and trade. Its impact on future relations can be seen in how it encouraged other states to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than solely relying on military conquest, shaping interactions among ancient civilizations.

Related terms

Hattusa: The capital city of the Hittite Empire, known for its impressive fortifications and temples, serving as a major political and cultural center during its height.

Cuneiform:

A system of writing used by the Hittites, adapted from the Sumerians, that was inscribed on clay tablets for record-keeping and literature.

Treaty of Kadesh: One of the earliest known peace treaties, signed between the Hittites and the Egyptians after the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BCE, establishing diplomatic relations and trade agreements.