The Hittites created their empire between 1600-1200 B.C. (BCE)

*They were the first people to learn to smelt (separate metal from ore) iron.

There were eventually weakened and defeated by the Sea Peoples.

The Sea Peoples is the term used for a mysterious confederacy of seafaring raiders

who sailed into the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, invaded Cyprus, and the Levant, and attempted to enter Egyptian

territory

The end of the Hittite kingdom allowed for the rise of other people in this region

Hittite Territory at the height of their Empire.

Pastoral NomadsPastoral Nomads

1.Nomadic peoples who lived in the areas surrounding the great civilizations of the ancient Middle East.

2.They domesticated animals for food and clothing and moved along regular migratory routes.

3.They did trade with the settled peoples of the area and helped to establish long-distance trade networks. This also allowed for the spreading of culture and technology (Cultural Diffusion)

Indo-EuropeansIndo-Europeans4.Probably came out of the steppe region north of the Black Sea.Their language influenced Greek, Latin, Persian, Sanskrit, and Germanic languages.

5.Some of these people settled in Anatolia around 1750 B.C. and helped to establish the Hittite Kingdom.

The ancient Hittite city of Hattusha, in Turkey.

The Hittite capital city of The Hittite capital city of HattushaHattusha

The Hittite’s Three Man Chariot. Two archers and a driver in each chariot made this a fearsome offensive weapon.

• They conquered what is now Turkey and clashed with Egypt. In 1296 BC they signed the first known peace treaty with Egypt.

• They built great fortifications using natural defenses. Their art adorned their buildings.

• Hittite Law - Their laws also controlled their economy by setting prices and wages. Laws were less severe and more humane. Capital punishment (death) was reserved for major crimes. Premeditation was taken into account and fines were set.

Hittite clay tablet

Hittites and the use of iron

• Iron working - They were first to make wide use of iron. They invented a furnace which made iron production easier. They refused to trade their iron tools & weapons and tried to keep the process a secret

• Religion - Polytheism

• The Hittites were invaded and assimilated into the culture of the invaders.

Hittite Spearman Hittite God