A woman buried in Turkey in the Middle Late Bronze Age era

The Old Hittite Period, spanning approximately 1650 to 1500 BCE, represents a formative era in the history of Anatolian civilizations, particularly focusing on the region known today as Turkey. This period marks the rise of the Hittite civilization, characterized by its establishment as a significant power in the ancient Near East.

Geographical and Historical Context

The Hittites settled in the Anatolian plateau, a region that forms the Asian part of modern Turkey. This landscape consisted of mountainous terrain and fertile valleys, providing both natural defenses and resources beneficial for sustaining a thriving civilization. The Hittite heartland was centered around the city of Hattusa (modern-day Boğazkale), which served as the political and religious capital.

Political Structure

The Old Hittite period witnessed the formation of one of the earliest central governments in the region. The Hittite kingdom was a monarchy, with the king serving not only as the political leader but also as the chief priest and military commander. This dual role reinforced the king's authority both in secular and spiritual matters. The kingship was initially hereditary, although power struggles and usurpations were not uncommon.

Prominent among the early kings were Hattusili I, who consolidated the kingdom's power, and Mursili I, who expanded its influence by launching successful military campaigns including the sack of Babylon around 1595 BCE. Their reigns laid the groundwork for subsequent consolidation and expansion.

Society and Culture

The Hittite society was stratified, with a clear hierarchy consisting of the king and royal family, nobility, priests, artisans, and lower classes, including slaves. The king and the “panku,” a council comprised mainly of high-ranking nobles and officials, governed it.

The Hittites spoke an Indo-European language known as Hittite, making them part of the greater Indo-European language family, a notable distinction given their neighbors predominantly spoke Semitic or Hurrian languages. The Hittites also adopted and adapted cuneiform writing, originally from Mesopotamia, creating their own script for administrative and diplomatic communication.

Religion

The Hittite religion was polytheistic, worshiping a myriad of deities associated with various aspects of life and nature. Key gods included the storm god, often seen as the chief deity, alongside a mother goddess, the sun goddess, and numerous localized gods. Religious ceremonies, rituals, and festivals were integral to the Hittite way of life, serving to reinforce both cultural unity and the divine right of their kings.

Hittite mythology was intertwined with the broader mythologies of the Near East, sharing similarities with Hurrian and Mesopotamian myths, which were often syncretized into their own pantheon.

Economy and Trade

The Hittites' strategic location in Anatolia provided access to vital trade routes that linked the civilizations of the Aegean, the Levant, and Mesopotamia. They engaged in extensive trade of goods such as metals (notably iron and silver), textiles, grains, and timber. This trade was facilitated by their development of roads and infrastructure, making Hattusa an important hub in ancient networks.

In agriculture, the Hittites capitalized on the fertile river valleys for growing cereals and raising livestock, which formed the basis of their food economy.

Military

The Hittite military organization was advanced for its time, employing chariots and an infantry that was well-equipped and trained. Hittite armies were capable of projecting power over considerable distances, as evidenced by their campaigns in Syria and Mesopotamia.

Legacy and Impact

The Old Hittite Period laid the foundations for the New Kingdom (or Empire Period), during which the Hittites became one of the dominant powers in the ancient Near East, rivaling Egypt and Assyria. The administrative structures, legal codifications, and cultural practices established during the Old Kingdom persisted and evolved, leaving a lasting imprint on the region's history.

The period is also significant for its role in the interactions and cultural exchanges among ancient civilizations; the Hittites often acted as intermediaries in the diffusion of technology, ideology, and art that shaped the subsequent era.

In summary, the Old Hittite Period was a pivotal era that saw the emergence of a robust and influential civilization in Anatolia, marked by significant achievements in governance, culture, and military prowess. These elements collectively contributed to the historical legacy of the Hittites as a central force in the ancient world.

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