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Hattusa Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Hattusa: Capital of the Hittite Empire

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Hattusa: Capital of the Hittite Empire Study Guide

Hattusa: The Hittite Capital

Hattusa served as the capital of the Hittite Empire exclusively during the Early Bronze Age.

Answer: False

Explanation: The provided sources indicate that Hattusa served as the capital of the Hittite Empire primarily during the Late Bronze Age, not exclusively during the Early Bronze Age. It functioned as the empire's main political and administrative center during two distinct periods within the Late Bronze Age.

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The ancient Greek name for the river near Hattusa was Marashantiya.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marashantiya was the Hittite name for the river near Hattusa; the ancient Greeks referred to this river as the Halys.

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King Labarna moved the Hittite capital to Hattusa from the city of Kussara.

Answer: False

Explanation: King Labarna moved the Hittite capital to Hattusa from the city of Neša (also known as Kanesh), not Kussara.

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King Labarna adopted the name Hattusili to signify his connection to the city of Neša.

Answer: False

Explanation: King Labarna adopted the name Hattusili, which signifies 'one who is from Hattusa,' thereby indicating his connection to the newly established capital city.

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Mursili III moved the Hittite capital back to Hattusa in the mid-13th century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mursili III, a Hittite ruler, re-established Hattusa as the capital city in the mid-13th century BC, returning the seat of power to the ancient site.

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The Hittite name for the river was Halys.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hittite name for the river near Hattusa (the Kızılırmak) was Marashantiya; Halys is the ancient Greek name for this river.

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The move of the capital to Hattusa by King Labarna around 1650 BC was a minor event in Hittite history.

Answer: False

Explanation: The relocation of the capital to Hattusa by King Labarna around 1650 BC was a pivotal and major event, establishing the city as the central power base for the burgeoning Hittite Empire.

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What was Hattusa primarily known as during the late Bronze Age?

Answer: The capital of the Hittite Empire

Explanation: During the Late Bronze Age, Hattusa was primarily known as the capital of the Hittite Empire, serving as its principal political and administrative center.

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In which modern country is the ancient city of Hattusa located?

Answer: Turkey

Explanation: The ancient city of Hattusa is located in modern-day Turkey, near the town of Boğazkale.

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Which Hittite king moved the capital to Hattusa around 1650 BC and subsequently adopted the name Hattusili?

Answer: Labarna

Explanation: King Labarna moved the Hittite capital to Hattusa around 1650 BC and adopted the name Hattusili, signifying his connection to the city.

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What was the Hittite name for the river near Hattusa, known to the Greeks as the Halys?

Answer: Marashantiya

Explanation: The Hittite name for the river near Hattusa, which the Greeks called the Halys, was Marashantiya.

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Which Hittite ruler is associated with the re-establishment of Hattusa as the capital in the mid-13th century BC?

Answer: Mursili III

Explanation: Mursili III is the Hittite ruler credited with re-establishing Hattusa as the capital city during the mid-13th century BC.

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The move of the capital to Hattusa by King Labarna signified:

Answer: The establishment of Hattusa as the central power base for the Hittite Empire

Explanation: The relocation of the capital to Hattusa by King Labarna around 1650 BC was a significant event that marked the establishment of the city as the central power base for the burgeoning Hittite Empire.

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What was the Hittite name for the Kızılırmak River?

Answer: Marashantiya

Explanation: The Hittite name for the Kızılırmak River, near which Hattusa is located, was Marashantiya.

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Founding and Early History of Hattusa

The earliest known human settlements at the Hattusa site date back to the Chalcolithic period, around the sixth millennium BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Archaeological evidence indicates that the earliest human settlements at the Hattusa site date to the Chalcolithic period, approximately the sixth millennium BC.

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The Hattians, who predated the Hittites, called their settlement on the site 'Hattusa'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hattian people, who inhabited the region prior to the Hittites, referred to their settlement on this site as 'Hattush', not 'Hattusa'.

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King Anitta of Kussara destroyed Hattusa around 1700 BC and placed a curse upon it.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that King Anitta of Kussara destroyed Hattusa around 1700 BC and subsequently placed a curse upon the site, forbidding its resettlement.

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The Hittite spelling of the city's name is Hattušaş.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary Hittite spelling of the city's name is Hattuša. Hattušaš is a Turkish transliteration, and Hattusa is the commonly used form in English.

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The earliest traces of settlement found at the Hattusa site belong to which historical period?

Answer: The Chalcolithic period (c. 6th millennium BC)

Explanation: The earliest evidence of human settlement at the Hattusa site dates back to the Chalcolithic period, approximately the sixth millennium BC.

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What was the name given to the settlement on the Hattusa site by the Hattian people?

Answer: Hattush

Explanation: The Hattian people, who predated the Hittites, referred to their settlement on the site that would become Hattusa as 'Hattush'.

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Around 1700 BC, Hattusa suffered destruction attributed to which ruler?

Answer: King Anitta of Kussara

Explanation: Around 1700 BC, Hattusa was destroyed by King Anitta of Kussara, who subsequently placed a curse upon the site.

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The Hittite name for the city, Hattuša, is related to which people?

Answer: The Hattians

Explanation: The Hittite name for the city, Hattuša, is derived from the name of the Hattian people, who established an earlier settlement on the site.

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The Hattian settlement predated the Hittite capital by approximately how much time?

Answer: About 500 years

Explanation: The Hattian settlement on the site, known as Hattush, predated the establishment of Hattusa as the Hittite capital by approximately 500 years.

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Hittite Governance and Society

Assyrian merchants established a trading post in Hattusa during the Hittite Empire's peak power.

Answer: False

Explanation: Assyrian merchants established a trading post in Hattusa during the earlier period of the 19th and 18th centuries BC, preceding the Hittite Empire's peak power.

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The Kaskian people caused the Hittites to move their capital away from Hattusa due to repeated attacks.

Answer: True

Explanation: Repeated attacks by the Kaskian people, who inhabited the northern regions of the Hittite kingdom, compelled the Hittites to relocate their capital away from Hattusa on multiple occasions.

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A significant inscribed metal tablet detailing a treaty was discovered near the Sphinx Gate in 1986.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1986, near the Sphinx Gate of Hattusa, a significant inscribed metal tablet was discovered, which details a treaty between the Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV and King Kurunta.

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The 'Westbau' building yielded thousands of sealed bullae related to legal documents from the 13th century BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Excavations in the 'Westbau' building at Hattusa uncovered approximately 3400 sealed bullae and clay lumps dating to the latter half of the 13th century BC, primarily associated with legal and land documents.

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The Bogazköy Archive primarily contains Hittite military records and battle plans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bogazköy Archive, comprising the cuneiform royal archives of Hattusa, contains a wide array of materials including official correspondence, legal codes, cult ceremony procedures, and ancient literature, not solely military records.

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The Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty tablet found at Hattusa is recognized as one of the earliest known international peace treaties.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty tablet discovered at Hattusa, detailing the settlement between the Hittites and Egyptians under Ramesses II, is widely acknowledged as one of the earliest known international peace treaties.

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The scribal community in Hattusa only used the Hittite language for their administrative and religious texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The scribal community in Hattusa utilized multiple languages, including Akkadian and Sumerian alongside Hittite, for administrative and religious texts, reflecting significant cultural influences.

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The inscribed metal tablet found in 1986 weighed approximately 50 kilograms.

Answer: False

Explanation: The inscribed metal tablet discovered near the Sphinx Gate in 1986 weighed approximately 5 kilograms, not 50 kilograms.

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What group's attacks on Hattusa led to the Hittite capital being temporarily moved elsewhere?

Answer: The Kaskians

Explanation: The Kaskians, a group inhabiting the northern regions, launched attacks that forced the Hittites to temporarily relocate their capital away from Hattusa.

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What important artifact, detailing a treaty between Tudhaliya IV and King Kurunta, was found near the Sphinx Gate in 1986?

Answer: An inscribed metal tablet

Explanation: An important artifact discovered near the Sphinx Gate in 1986 was an inscribed metal tablet detailing a treaty between the Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV and King Kurunta.

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The cuneiform royal archives discovered at Hattusa are collectively known as:

Answer: The Bogazköy Archive

Explanation: The extensive collection of cuneiform royal archives discovered at Hattusa is collectively referred to as the Bogazköy Archive.

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What is the historical significance of the Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty tablet found at Hattusa?

Answer: It is recognized as one of the earliest known international peace treaties.

Explanation: The Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty tablet is historically significant as it is recognized as one of the earliest known examples of an international peace treaty, detailing the settlement between the two empires.

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Which languages were used by the scribal community in Hattusa, indicating cultural exchange?

Answer: Akkadian, Sumerian, and Hittite

Explanation: The scribal community in Hattusa utilized Akkadian, Sumerian, and Hittite languages, demonstrating significant cultural exchange and influence from Mesopotamian and Syrian regions.

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What does the presence of Akkadian and Sumerian texts in Hattusa's archives suggest about the scribal community?

Answer: They were influenced by Mesopotamian and Syrian cultures.

Explanation: The inclusion of Akkadian and Sumerian texts alongside Hittite literature in Hattusa's archives indicates that the scribal community was influenced by the rich cultural traditions of Mesopotamia and Syria.

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The treaty detailed on the metal tablet found in 1986 was between the Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV and which king?

Answer: Kurunta

Explanation: The inscribed metal tablet found in 1986 details a treaty between the Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV and King Kurunta of Tarhuntassa.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of content found in the Bogazköy Archive?

Answer: Astronomical charts

Explanation: The Bogazköy Archive contains a wide range of materials including official correspondence, contracts, legal codes, and cult ceremony procedures, but astronomical charts are not mentioned as part of its contents.

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The Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty tablet is displayed as a copy at which international organization?

Answer: The United Nations

Explanation: A copy of the Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty tablet is displayed at the United Nations headquarters, highlighting its significance as an early international peace agreement.

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Urban Structure and Architecture of Hattusa

During its peak, Hattusa's population is estimated to have reached approximately 50,000 inhabitants.

Answer: False

Explanation: Estimates suggest that Hattusa's population at its zenith was approximately 10,000 inhabitants, not 50,000.

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Hattusa's defensive walls, including inner and outer sections, measured approximately 8 meters thick in total.

Answer: True

Explanation: The combined thickness of Hattusa's inner and outer defensive walls, separated by a space, reached approximately 8 meters, forming a formidable defensive system.

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Büyükkale, meaning 'Great Fortress', was a residential area in Hattusa's lower city.

Answer: False

Explanation: Büyükkale, translating to 'Great Fortress', served as the acropolis or royal residence of Hattusa, situated on a prominent high ridge, rather than a general residential area in the lower city.

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The outer city of Hattusa featured secular buildings and residential structures but lacked any significant gateways.

Answer: False

Explanation: The outer city of Hattusa contained not only secular buildings and residential structures but also featured impressive gateways, including those adorned with reliefs.

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Dwelling houses in Hattusa were constructed from stone, similar to the temples and palaces.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dwelling houses in Hattusa were primarily constructed from perishable materials like timber and mud bricks, contrasting with the stone used for temples and palaces, which is why they have largely disappeared from the archaeological record.

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The sphinxes found at Hattusa's southern gate were returned to Turkey and are now displayed in the British Museum.

Answer: False

Explanation: While one sphinx was returned to Turkey and is displayed in Istanbul, the other is housed in the Boğazköy Museum near Hattusa; neither is in the British Museum.

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The 'Hattusa Green Stone' is identified as a Hittite administrative building.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Hattusa Green Stone' is a monument discovered at the site, believed to have religious significance, rather than being identified as a Hittite administrative building.

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What is the estimated population of Hattusa during its zenith?

Answer: Approximately 10,000 people

Explanation: During its zenith, the population of Hattusa is estimated to have been approximately 10,000 inhabitants.

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How large was Hattusa at its peak, covering an area of approximately?

Answer: 1.8 square kilometers

Explanation: At its peak, Hattusa covered an extensive area of approximately 1.8 square kilometers (440 acres).

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What was the primary function of Büyükkale within Hattusa?

Answer: The royal residence or acropolis

Explanation: Büyükkale, meaning 'Great Fortress', served as the acropolis or royal residence of Hattusa, situated on a prominent high ridge within the city.

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What was the approximate total thickness of Hattusa's combined inner and outer defensive walls?

Answer: 8 meters

Explanation: Hattusa's formidable defensive system included inner and outer walls, each approximately 3 meters thick, resulting in a combined total thickness of about 8 meters.

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Which of the following was NOT a feature typically found in the outer city of Hattusa?

Answer: A large harbor

Explanation: The outer city of Hattusa contained temples, residential structures, and impressive gateways, but it did not feature a large harbor, as it is situated inland.

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Why have the original dwelling houses of Hattusa largely disappeared from the site?

Answer: They were constructed from perishable materials like timber and mud bricks.

Explanation: The dwelling houses of Hattusa were primarily constructed from perishable materials such as timber and mud bricks, which have largely disintegrated over time, unlike the more durable stone structures.

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One of the sphinxes from Hattusa's southern gate was returned to Turkey and is now displayed in which city?

Answer: Istanbul

Explanation: One of the sphinxes from Hattusa's southern gate was returned to Turkey and is currently displayed in Istanbul.

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The sphinxes found at Hattusa's gateways were intended to serve what purpose?

Answer: As decorative elements symbolizing protection or power

Explanation: The sphinxes adorning Hattusa's gateways likely served as decorative elements, intended to symbolize protection or power at the entrances to the city.

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What material were the original dwelling houses of Hattusa primarily made from?

Answer: Timber and mud bricks

Explanation: The original dwelling houses in Hattusa were primarily constructed from timber and mud bricks, materials that have not survived as well as the stone used for temples and palaces.

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Archaeological Discovery and Research

Charles Texier, a French archaeologist, was the first to bring international attention to the ruins of Hattusa.

Answer: True

Explanation: The French archaeologist Charles Texier visited the ruins of Hattusa in 1834, and his subsequent reports brought international attention to the site.

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Systematic excavations at Hattusa began in the late 19th century, led by the British Museum.

Answer: False

Explanation: Systematic excavations at Hattusa commenced in the early 20th century, primarily under the auspices of the German Oriental Society and the German Archaeological Institute, not the British Museum in the late 19th century.

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Kurt Bittel's excavations starting in 1931 focused mainly on uncovering monumental structures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kurt Bittel's excavations at Hattusa, commencing in 1931, primarily focused on establishing the site's stratigraphy and understanding its chronological development, rather than solely on uncovering monumental structures.

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Who is credited with first bringing international attention to the ruins of Hattusa in 1834?

Answer: Charles Texier

Explanation: The French archaeologist Charles Texier is credited with being the first to bring international attention to the ruins of Hattusa following his visit in 1834.

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Which two archaeological institutions were key in the systematic excavation of Hattusa starting in the early 20th century?

Answer: The German Oriental Society and the German Archaeological Institute

Explanation: The German Oriental Society and the German Archaeological Institute were instrumental in commencing systematic excavations at Hattusa in the early 20th century.

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What was the primary focus of Kurt Bittel's excavations at Hattusa beginning in 1931?

Answer: Establishing the stratigraphy of the site

Explanation: Kurt Bittel's excavations at Hattusa, initiated in 1931, primarily aimed at establishing the site's stratigraphy, thereby understanding its chronological development.

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Who took over the direction of the Hattusa excavations in 1994, emphasizing non-monumental zones?

Answer: Jürgen Seeher

Explanation: Jürgen Seeher assumed direction of the Hattusa excavations in 1994, shifting emphasis towards non-monumental areas and economic/residential spaces.

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Decline, Legacy, and Modern Significance

Hattusa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1975.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hattusa received its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, not 1975.

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Hattusa ceased being the Hittite capital shortly after 1300 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hattusa ceased to function as the Hittite capital around 1200 BC, coinciding with the broader collapse of the Hittite kingdom and the Late Bronze Age.

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The abandonment of Hattusa was a rapid event, marked by widespread destruction.

Answer: False

Explanation: Archaeological evidence suggests that the abandonment of Hattusa was a gradual process occurring over several decades as the Hittite empire disintegrated, rather than a single, rapid destructive event.

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A severe drought around 1198-1196 BC is suggested as a potential factor in the Hittite collapse and Hattusa's abandonment.

Answer: True

Explanation: Paleoclimatic and archaeological evidence suggests that a severe multi-year drought, occurring around 1198-1196 BC, may have contributed significantly to the destabilization of the Hittite Empire and the eventual abandonment of Hattusa.

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The material culture of communities settling in Hattusa after the Hittites was identical to that of the Hittites.

Answer: False

Explanation: The material culture of the agricultural communities that settled in the ruins of Hattusa following the Hittite period was distinct from, and not identical to, that of the Hittites.

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Since 2006, archaeological work at Hattusa has shifted focus towards preparing the site for tourism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Since 2006, archaeological activities at Hattusa have increasingly incorporated efforts related to restoration and the preparation of the site for tourism, alongside ongoing research.

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What significant recognition did Hattusa receive in 1986?

Answer: Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Explanation: In 1986, Hattusa was recognized for its outstanding universal value and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Hattusa ceased to be the Hittite capital around the same time as which broader historical event?

Answer: The end of the Hittite kingdom and the Late Bronze Age collapse

Explanation: Hattusa ceased functioning as the Hittite capital around 1200 BC, a period coinciding with the broader collapse of the Hittite kingdom and the end of the Late Bronze Age.

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What potential environmental factor has been suggested to contribute to the Hittite collapse and Hattusa's abandonment around 1200 BC?

Answer: A severe multi-year drought

Explanation: A severe multi-year drought, estimated to have occurred around 1198-1196 BC, is considered a potential contributing factor to the Hittite Empire's collapse and the subsequent abandonment of Hattusa.

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Since 2006, archaeological activities at Hattusa have increasingly included efforts aimed at:

Answer: Preparing the site for tourism

Explanation: Since 2006, archaeological work at Hattusa has increasingly focused on restoration and preparing the site to be more accessible and informative for tourism.

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Which of the following best describes the abandonment process of Hattusa?

Answer: A gradual process over decades as the empire disintegrated.

Explanation: The abandonment of Hattusa is best described as a gradual process that occurred over several decades, linked to the disintegration of the Hittite Empire, rather than a sudden catastrophic event.

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Culture and Religion

Cemeteries outside Hattusa's walls primarily contained inhumation burials.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cemeteries located outside Hattusa's walls primarily contained cremation burials, indicating a specific funerary practice among the inhabitants.

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Yazilikaya is a Hittite sanctuary located near Hattusa, featuring reliefs of Hittite deities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Yazilikaya is a significant Hittite sanctuary situated near Hattusa, renowned for its rock-cut reliefs depicting Hittite gods and goddesses, playing a crucial role in the religious life of the empire.

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What type of burial practice was most common in the cemeteries outside Hattusa?

Answer: Cremation burials

Explanation: The cemeteries located outside Hattusa's walls primarily contained cremation burials, indicating a prevalent funerary custom.

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What is Yazilikaya, located near Hattusa?

Answer: A Hittite sanctuary with reliefs of gods

Explanation: Yazilikaya, situated near Hattusa, is a significant Hittite sanctuary characterized by its rock-cut reliefs depicting Hittite deities.

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