The Ancient Empire of the Hittites

Sphinx Gate, Alaca Höyük, Corum, Turkey. CC BY

I’ve always found the Hittites fascinating. Their empire reached its height in the mid-fourteenth century BC and rivalled that of ancient Egypt. At this time, it encompassed most of Anatolia, parts of northern Levant and upper Mesopotamia. Their rich and vibrant culture not only influenced the Near East but also extended into areas across the Aegean Sea, such as Greece. The Hittite language was a distinct member of the Anatolian…