They were contemporary to the ancient Egyptians and every bit their equal.
Hattusa during its peak.
Hattusa was destroyed, together with the Hittite state itself, in the 12th century BC.
The site uncovered by archaeologists was little more than a ghost town during its final days.
The inner city was occupied by a citadel with large administrative buildings and temples.
The royal residence, or acropolis, was built on a high ridge.
Outside the walls are cemeteries, most of which contain cremation burials.
Between 40,000 and 50,000 people is believed to have lived in the city at the peak.
Lion Gate in Hattusa.
Photo credit:Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia
King’s Gate in Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
Sphinx Gate in Hattusa.
Photo credit:Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia
A modern full-scale reconstruction of a section of the wall surrounding Hattusa.
Photo credit:Maarten/Flickr
The EgyptianHittite peace treaty, on display at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
It is believed to be the earliest example of any written international agreement of any kind.
Photo credit:yasin turkoglu/Flickr
Panoramic view of the Lower City of Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
Processional way of the Grand Temple complex, Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
Royal Citadel in Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
Entrance to a stone tunnel called the Yerkap, in Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
Yerkap in Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
The Yerkapi rampart at Hattusa.
Photo credit:turkisharchaeonews.net
Sources:Wikipedia/Ancient Wisdom/UNESCO/Biblical Archaeology
