Hattusa & the Hittites: Bronze Age Empire Guide

Quick Answer: Hattusa and the Hittites represent one of the great lost empires of the Bronze Age, a powerful Anatolian civilization that rivaled ancient Egypt. Their incredible capital, Hattusa, near modern Boğazkale in Turkey , was rediscovered in 1906 and is a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site you can explore for an entrance fee of approximately $10 USD . A Turkey tour cost analysis shows this site offers incredible value for its historical significance. What Is Hattusa, the Lost Capital of the Hittites? Hattusa (also spelled Hattusha) was the magnificent capital of the Hittite Empire during the late Bronze Age, from approximately 1600 BCE to its dramatic collapse around 1178 BCE . Located on a rocky, windswept plateau in the heart of Anatolia, this was no mere city; it was the political, military, and religious center of a civilization that controlled vast swathes of modern-day Turkey and Syria. For centuries, the Hittites were a forgotten superpower, their name known only from scattered references in the Old Testament. The discovery of Hattusa brought this mighty empire roaring back to life. The site itself is a vast outdoor museum spread over a rugged landscape. It consists of two main areas: the Lower City and the Upper City. The Lower City was home to the general populace and the colossal Great Temple . The Upper City, a region of temples and palaces, was a fortified citadel perched on high ridges, protected by a monumental wall system that stretched for over six kilometers. This defensive wall featured impressive gates, towers, and even a secret tunnel. Visiting Hattusa is to walk through the ruins of a global power, the direct competitor to the Egypt of the Pharaohs like Ramses II . The importance of Hattusa and the Hittites cannot be overstated. They were pioneers in ironworking, law, and international diplomacy. Their capital was a cosmopolitan hub, as evidenced by the thousands of clay tablets found here, written in at least eight different languages.