Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. It served as the empire's primary political and administrative center during two distinct periods.

Where is Hattusa located?

Hattusa is situated in modern-day Turkey, near the town of Boğazkale, within the great loop of the Kızılırmak River. This river was known as Marashantiya in Hittite and Halys in Greek.

When did Hattusa serve as the capital of the Hittite Empire?

Hattusa functioned as the capital of the Hittite Empire during the late Bronze Age, specifically during two distinct periods of its history.

Who first brought international attention to the ruins of Hattusa?

The French archaeologist Charles Texier brought attention to the ruins of Hattusa following his visit in 1834.

Which archaeological institutions were instrumental in the systematic excavation of Hattusa?

The German Oriental Society and the German Archaeological Institute commenced systematic excavations at Hattusa in the early 20th century, continuing the work to the present day.

In what year was Hattusa recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Hattusa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1986, acknowledging its significant cultural and historical importance.

What is the earliest known evidence of human settlement at the Hattusa site?

The earliest traces of settlement at the Hattusa site date back to the sixth millennium BC, during the Chalcolithic period.

Who were the Hattians, and what was their connection to the site of Hattusa?

The Hattian people established a settlement on the site towards the end of the 3rd millennium BC and referred to it as Hattush, predating the Hittite occupation.

What role did Assyrian merchants play in the early history of Hattusa?

During the 19th and 18th centuries BC, merchants from Assyria established a trading post in a separate quarter of Hattusa's lower city, indicating early long-distance trade connections.

What significant event occurred around 1700 BC involving Hattusa, and who was responsible?

Around 1700 BC, Hattusa was burned and ruined, an act attributed to King Anitta of Kussara, who even erected an inscribed curse against anyone who would resettle the city.

When and by whom was the Hittite capital moved to Hattusa?

The Hittite king Labarna moved the capital from Neša to Hattusa around 1650 BC.

What new name did King Labarna adopt after establishing Hattusa as the Hittite capital?

After moving the capital to Hattusa, King Labarna adopted the name Hattusili, which signifies "one/man from Hattusa."

How did the Kaskian people impact the location of the Hittite capital?

The Kaskians, who arrived in the kingdom's north, attacked Hattusa twice, prompting the Hittites to move their capital first to Sapinuwa and later to Tarhuntassa.

Which Hittite ruler re-established Hattusa as the capital in the mid-13th century BC?

Mursili III, a Hittite ruler in the mid-13th century BC, returned the seat of power to Hattusa.

When did Hattusa cease to be the capital of the Hittite Empire?

Hattusa ceased to be the Hittite capital around 1200 BC, coinciding with the end of the Hittite kingdom and the broader Late Bronze Age collapse.

How is the abandonment of Hattusa described in the text?

Hattusa was gradually abandoned over several decades as the Hittite empire disintegrated, with signs of final destruction by fire noted, though this likely occurred after the city's elite had departed.

What was the estimated population of Hattusa during its peak period?

At its zenith, the population of Hattusa is estimated to have been around 10,000 people.

Describe the overall structure and size of Hattusa at its peak.

At its peak, Hattusa covered approximately 1.8 square kilometers (440 acres) and was divided into an inner and outer city, both enclosed by substantial walls.

What was the significance of Büyükkale within the city of Hattusa?

Büyükkale, meaning "Great Fortress," served as the acropolis or royal residence of Hattusa, situated on a prominent high ridge.

What were the dimensions and extent of Hattusa's defensive walls?

Hattusa's walls extended over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) in total length, with inner and outer sections each about 3 meters thick and separated by a 2-meter space, creating a formidable defense of approximately 8 meters in total thickness.

What key structures and features were located in the outer city of Hattusa?

The outer city of Hattusa contained four temples, secular buildings, residential structures, and impressive gateways adorned with reliefs depicting warriors, lions, and sphinxes.

What type of burial practices were observed in the cemeteries outside Hattusa's walls?

Cemeteries located outside the city walls primarily contained cremation burials, indicating specific funerary customs.

What happened to the dwelling houses that were once part of Hattusa?

The dwelling houses, constructed from timber and mud bricks, have long since vanished from the site, leaving behind only the more durable stone-built structures of temples and palaces.

What significant artifact was discovered in 1986 near the Sphinx Gate of Hattusa?

In 1986, a large inscribed metal tablet, measuring 35 by 24 centimeters and weighing 5 kilograms, was found near the Sphinx Gate, detailing a treaty between Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV and King Kurunta.

What inscription was found on the Mycenaean bronze sword discovered at Hattusa in 1991?

The Mycenaean bronze sword found in 1991 bore an inscription in Akkadian stating that King Duthaliya dedicated the swords to the Storm-God after his victory over the Assuwa-Country.

What important administrative documents were unearthed in the "Westbau" building during excavations in the early 1990s?

Excavations in the "Westbau" building uncovered approximately 3400 sealed bullae and clay lumps dating from the latter half of the 13th century BC, primarily related to land documents.

What kind of content is found within the cuneiform royal archives discovered at Hattusa?

The cuneiform royal archives, known as the Bogazköy Archive, contain a wide range of materials including official correspondence, contracts, legal codes, procedures for cult ceremonies, oracular prophecies, and ancient Near Eastern literature.

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

This tablet details the peace settlement between the Hittites and Egyptians under Ramesses II, years after the Battle of Kadesh, and is recognized as one of the earliest known international peace treaties, with a copy displayed at the United Nations.

What languages were utilized by the scribal community in Hattusa, as evidenced by the discovered texts?

The scribal community in Hattusa used Akkadian (including its Old Assyrian dialect), Sumerian, and Hittite languages, reflecting diverse cultural influences.

What role did the Hattian people play in the early history of the site that became Hattusa?

The Hattian people established a settlement on the site, naming it Hattush, which predates its later prominence as the Hittite capital.

What was the Hittite name for the river near which Hattusa is located?

The Hittite name for the Kızılırmak River, near which Hattusa is situated, was Marashantiya.

What was the ancient Greek name for the river that flows near Hattusa?

The ancient Greek name for the Kızılırmak River, near which Hattusa is situated, was Halys.

What was the purpose of the sphinxes found at the southern gate of Hattusa?

The sphinxes were decorative elements found at the elaborate gateways of the outer city, symbolizing protection or power.

What happened to the sphinxes discovered at Hattusa's southern gate?

The sphinxes were taken to Germany for restoration; one was returned to Turkey in 1924 and is displayed in Istanbul, while the other was moved to the Boğazköy Museum near Hattusa, reuniting the pair.

What is the relationship between Yazılıkaya and Hattusa?

Yazılıkaya is a sanctuary associated with Hattusa, featuring reliefs depicting Hittite gods and playing a role in the religious life of the capital.

What is the Hittite spelling of the city's name?

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

What is the Turkish transliteration of the city's name?

The Turkish transliteration of the city's name is Hattušaş.

During which historical era was Hattusa primarily the capital of the Hittite Empire?

Hattusa was primarily the capital of the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age, specifically the Late Bronze Age.

What archaeological evidence suggests that Hattusa was not abruptly destroyed but gradually abandoned?

Excavations indicate that Hattusa was gradually abandoned over several decades as the Hittite empire disintegrated, rather than being destroyed in a single event.

What environmental factor might have contributed to the decline of the Hittite Empire and the abandonment of Hattusa?

It has been suggested that a severe multi-year drought around 1198-1196 BC may have contributed to the Hittite collapse and the abandonment of Hattusa.

What characterized the material culture of the communities that settled in the ruins of Hattusa after the Hittite period?

The agricultural communities that settled in the remains of Hattusa after the Hittite period possessed a material culture that was distinct from that of the Hittites.

What was the primary objective of Kurt Bittel's archaeological work at Hattusa beginning in 1931?

Kurt Bittel's excavations, which began in 1931, primarily focused on establishing the stratigraphy of the site.

Who took over the direction of the Hattusa excavations in 1994, and what areas did their work emphasize?

Jürgen Seeher assumed control of the Hattusa excavations in 1994, with his work emphasizing the Büyükkaya area and non-monumental zones, including economic and residential spaces.

What has been the focus of archaeological activities at Hattusa since 2006?

Since 2006, archaeological activities at Hattusa have increasingly focused on restoration and preparing the site for tourism, alongside ongoing archaeological research.

What is the presumed nature of the "Hattusa Green Stone"?

The "Hattusa Green Stone" is a monument discovered at the site that is believed to have religious origins.

What were the dimensions and weight of the inscribed metal tablet found in 1986?

The inscribed metal tablet found in 1986 measured approximately 35 by 24 centimeters and weighed about 5 kilograms, with two attached chains.

What is the collective name for the cuneiform royal archives discovered at Hattusa?

The cuneiform royal archives found at Hattusa are collectively known as the Bogazköy Archive.

What is the Hittite name for the Kızılırmak River?

The Hittite name for the Kızılırmak River was Marashantiya.

What was the significance of King Labarna moving the capital to Hattusa?

The move of the capital to Hattusa by King Labarna around 1650 BC marked the establishment of the city as the central power base for the growing Hittite Empire.

What does the presence of Mesopotamian and Syrian influences in Hattusa's scribal community suggest?

The inclusion of Akkadian and Sumerian texts, alongside Hittite literature, indicates that Hattusa's scribal community was shaped by significant cultural exchanges with Mesopotamia and Syria.

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Historical Context

Early Foundations

The site of Hattusa shows evidence of settlement dating back to the 6th millennium BC during the Chalcolithic period. By the late 3rd millennium BC, the Hattian people established a significant settlement, referring to it as Hattush.

Assyrian Trade and Conflict

In the 19th and 18th centuries BC, Assyrian merchants established a trading post in a distinct quarter of the lower city. Hattusa experienced a significant destruction event around 1700 BC, attributed to King Anitta of Kussara, who famously cursed anyone who would resettle the city. Despite this, the city was rebuilt, possibly by Anitta's son.

Hittite Capital

Hattusa rose to prominence as the capital of the Hittite Empire around 1650 BC when King Labarna adopted the name Hattusili ("one from Hattusa"). The capital shifted temporarily to Sapinuwa and Tarhuntassa due to external pressures (Kaskian incursions) before being re-established at Hattusa by Mursili III in the mid-13th century BC. It remained the imperial center until the empire's collapse around 1200 BC during the Late Bronze Age collapse, possibly exacerbated by regional drought.

Archaeological Exploration

Rediscovery and Excavation

French archaeologist Charles Texier first brought attention to the ruins in 1834. Subsequent exploration by various archaeologists, notably the German Oriental Society and the German Archaeological Institute starting in the early 20th century, has continued systematically. These efforts have uncovered extensive remains of the Hittite capital.

City Structure

At its zenith, Hattusa spanned approximately 1.8 km², divided into inner and outer sections fortified by massive walls, largely constructed during Suppiluliuma I's reign (c. 1344–1322 BC). The inner city featured a citadel on Büyükkale (Great Fortress) with administrative buildings and temples. The outer city contained four temples, secular structures, and residential areas. Outside the walls, cemeteries with cremation burials have been found.

Key Discoveries

Excavations have yielded significant artifacts, including thousands of cuneiform tablets forming the royal archives. Notable finds include the Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty (Treaty of Kadesh), inscribed metal tablets detailing treaties, legal codes, administrative documents, and religious texts. Other discoveries include monumental gateways (Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate), reliefs, hieroglyphs, and artifacts like the Hattusa Green Stone and Mycenaean swords.

Cuneiform Archives

Mesopotamian and Hittite Texts

The site yielded approximately 30,000 clay tablets, primarily from the New Kingdom period. These archives contain texts in Akkadian (the lingua franca of diplomacy) and the Hittite language, reflecting Mesopotamian, Syrian, and Hurrian influences on Hittite scribal traditions. The collection includes royal correspondence, contracts, legal codes, religious rituals, and literature.

A significant tablet details the peace settlement between Hittite ruler Tudhaliya IV and Kurunta of Tarhuntassa. Another crucial discovery is a copy of the Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty, finalized after the Battle of Kadesh between Ramesses II and Hattusili III (c. 1259 BC). A replica of this treaty is displayed at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, recognized as one of the earliest known international peace accords.

Cuneiform Script

The presence of cuneiform script at Hattusa is a testament to the region's integration into the broader cultural milieu of the ancient Near East. Proper rendering support is necessary to view these historical inscriptions accurately.

Without proper rendering support, cuneiform script may appear as symbols or question marks.

Notable Structures

Lion Gate

One of the impressive gateways decorating the outer city walls, featuring reliefs of lions, symbolizing power and protection.

Sphinx Gate

Another significant gate adorned with sphinx reliefs, leading into the city. A pair of these sphinxes, originally taken to Germany for restoration, have been reunited near their original location.

City Walls & Büyükkale

The extensive stone walls, measuring up to 8 meters thick in places, enclosed the vast city. The citadel, Büyükkale, situated on a high ridge, served as the royal residence and administrative center.

Great Temple & Yazılıkaya

The Great Temple, located within the inner city, stands as a major religious structure. The nearby sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, featuring reliefs of twelve underworld gods, is intrinsically linked to the religious practices of Hattusa.

World Heritage Status

UNESCO Recognition

Hattusa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1986. Its designation recognizes its outstanding universal value as the capital of the Hittite Empire, a major Bronze Age power. The site is recognized for its cultural significance, particularly its architectural remains and the insights provided into Hittite civilization.

Hattusa meets multiple UNESCO criteria, including:

Criterion (i): Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius.
Criterion (ii): Exhibits an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
Criterion (iii): Bears unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which has disappeared.
Criterion (iv): Is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.

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References

Hawkins, David, "Writing in Anatolia: Imported and Indigenous Systems", World Archaeology, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 363â76, 1986

Hamblin, William J. Warfare in the Ancient Near East to 1600 BC: Holy Warriors at the Dawn of History. New York: Routledge, 2006.

Hopkins, David C., "Across the Anatolian Plateau: Readings in the Archaeology of Ancient Turkey", The Annual of the American Schools of Oriental Research, vol. 57, pp. vâ209, 2000

de Martino, Stefano, "Hatti: From Regional Polity to Empire", in Stefano de Martino, ed., Handbook Hittite Empire: Power Structures, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter Oldenbourg, pp. 205â270, 2022

Bryce, Trevor R., "The Annals and Lost Golden Statue of the Hittite King Hattusili I", in Gephyra 16, pp. 1-12, November 2018

Glatz, Claudia, and Roger Matthews, "Anthropology of a Frontier Zone: Hittite-Kaska Relations in Late Bronze Age North-Central Anatolia", Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, no. 339, pp. 47â65, 2005

Otten, Heinrich, Keilschrifttexte aus BoghazkÃ¶i 21 (insbesondere Texte aus GebÃ¤ude A), Berlin 1973

GÃ¼terbock, Hans G., "New Excavations at BoghazkÃ¶y, Capital of the Hittites", Archaeology, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 211â16, 1953

Texier,Charles, "Description de lâ Asie Mineure, faite par ordre du Gouvernement FranÃ§ais de 1833 Ã 1837,et publiÃ©e parle ministre de lâ Instruction publique", Volumes I-III, Paris:Firmin-Didot, 1839-1849

Barth,Heinrich, "Reise von Trapezunt durch die nÃ¶rdliche HÃ¤lfte Klein-Asiens nach Scutariim Herbst 1858", ErgÃ¤nzungsheft zu Petermann's geograph, Mittheilungen 3, Gotha:Justus Perthes, 1860

Perrot,Georges, "Une civilisation retrouvÃ©e: les HÃ©tÃ©ens, leur Ã©criture et leur art", Revuedes Deux-Mondes74 (15 July), pp. 303â342, 1886

Alaura, Silvia, "Rediscovery and Reception of the Hittites: An Overview", Handbook Hittite Empire: Power Structures, edited by Stefano de Martino, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter Oldenbourg, pp. 693-780, 2022

Winckler, Hugo, "Nach BoghaskÃ¶i! Ein nachgelassenes Fragment", Der Alte Orient XIV/3, Leipzig: Hinrichs, 1913

Bittel, Kurt, "BOÄAZKÃY: The Excavations of 1967 and 1968", Archaeology, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 276â79, 1969

P. Neve, "BoÄazkÃ¶y-Hattusha â New Results of the Excavations in the Upper City", Anatolica, 16, pp. 7â19, 1990

Seeher, JÃ¼rgen, "BÃ¼yÃ¼kkaya II. Bauwerke und Befundeder Grabungskampagnen 1952â1955 und 1993â1998", BoÄazkÃ¶y-HattuÅ¡a 27, Berlin:de Gruyter, 2018

Schachner, Andreas, "Hattuscha.Auf der Such enach dem sagenhaften GroÃreich der Hethiter", MÃ¼nchen: C. H. Beck, 2011

Schachner, Andreas, "Hattusa and its Environs: Archaeology", in Hittite Landscape and Geography, Handbuch der Orientalistik I/121, eds. MarkWeeden, and Lee Z. Ullmann, Leiden/Boston: Brill, pp. 37â49, 2017

Schachner, Andreas, "Die Ausgrabungen in BogazkÃ¶y-Hattusa 2018", ArchÃ¤ologischer Anzeiger. AA. Deutsches ArchÃ¤ologisches Institut, no. 1, 2019

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Zimmermann, Thomas, et al., "The Metal Tablet from BoÄazkÃ¶y-HattuÅ¡a: First Archaeometric Impressions*", Journal of Near Eastern Studies, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 225â29, 2010

Hansen, O., "A Mycenaean Sword from BoÇ§azkÃ¶y-Hattusa Found in 1991", The Annual of the British School at Athens, vol. 89, pp. 213â15, 1994

Cline, E. H., "AÅ¡Å¡uwa and the Achaeans: The 'Mycenaean' Sword at HattuÅ¡as and Its Possible Implications", The Annual of the British School at Athens, vol. 91, pp. 137â51, 1996

van den Hout, Theo, "Seals and Sealing Practices in Hatti-Land: Remarks Ã Propos the Seal Impressions from the 'Westbau' in á¸ªattuÅ¡a", Journal of the American Oriental Society, vol. 127, no. 3, pp. 339â48, 2007

Beckman, Gary, "Mesopotamians and Mesopotamian Learning at á¸ªattuÅ¡a", Journal of Cuneiform Studies, vol. 35, no. 1/2, pp. 97â114, 1983

Matthew T. Rutz, "Mesopotamian Scholarship in á¸ªattuÅ¡a and the Sammeltafel KUB 4.53", Journal of the American Oriental Society, vol. 132, no. 2, pp. 171â88, 2012

Replica of Peace Treaty between Hattusilis and Ramses II - United Nations

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hattusa Wikipedia page

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Hattusa: Echoes of the Hittite Empire

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Context 🏛️

🌍 Early Foundations

🔗 Assyrian Trade and Conflict

👑 Hittite Capital

Archaeological Exploration ⛏️

🗺️ Rediscovery and Excavation

🧱 City Structure

📜 Key Discoveries

Cuneiform Archives 🗂️

✍️ Mesopotamian and Hittite Texts

🔤 Cuneiform Script

Notable Structures 🏗️

🦁 Lion Gate

Sphinx Gate

🏰 City Walls & Büyükkale

🙏 Great Temple & Yazılıkaya

World Heritage Status ⭐

🌍 UNESCO Recognition

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Early Foundations

Assyrian Trade and Conflict

Hittite Capital

Archaeological Exploration

Rediscovery and Excavation

City Structure

Key Discoveries

Cuneiform Archives

Mesopotamian and Hittite Texts

Cuneiform Script

Notable Structures

Lion Gate

City Walls & Büyükkale

Great Temple & Yazılıkaya

World Heritage Status

UNESCO Recognition

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice