When did Charles Texier discover the Hittite ruins in central Anatolia?
Charles Texier discovered the massive stone ruins in central Anatolia in 1834. He initially had no idea he was standing before the capital of a forgotten empire.
Common questions about Hittites
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who deciphered the Hittite language and when was it announced?
The Czech linguist Bedřich Hrozný deciphered the Hittite language in 1915. He announced his findings at the Near Eastern Society of Berlin.
What year did the Hittite Empire end and what caused its destruction?
The Hittite Empire ended around 1180 BC when Hattusa was burnt to the ground. This destruction resulted from a combined onslaught by the Kaskians, Phrygians, and Bryges following severe drought from 1198 to 1196 BC.
When was the Treaty of Kadesh signed between the Hittites and Egyptians?
The Treaty of Kadesh was signed in 1258 BC after the Battle of Kadesh. This agreement established mutual boundaries and included a marriage alliance between the Hittite princess and the Pharaoh.
Which Hittite king sent infected rams to the Arzawans during the conflict with Egypt?
The Hittite king Mursili II sent infected rams to the Arzawans during the conflict. This event marked the first recorded use of biological warfare in history.
What is the oldest historically attested Indo-European language spoken by the Hittites?
The Hittite language, known to its speakers as the language of Nesa, is the oldest historically attested Indo-European language. It was written in cuneiform and used for administrative and diplomatic purposes.