Don’t get sad if you have never heard of the Hittites in your life. Most Christians probably don’t have a clue about who or what exactly these are. However, to be a good Christian means to have a good understanding of the Bible and the history of religion.
After all, God created everything for us to study and take in so that we grow as a race and evolve. You may not know who or what they are, but you probably know about a country named Turkey. These were ancient people who lived in the region that is now modern-day Turkey between approximately 1600 BC and 1178 BC.
They established a powerful empire and left a lasting impact on the ancient world, influencing the development of cultures and civilizations that followed them. The Hittites originated as a group of Indo-European-speaking peoples who migrated to Asia Minor around the end of the third millennium BC. Over time, they merged into a powerful kingdom and empire that dominated the ancient Near East for centuries.
They remained in history and were known throughout the years for their innovative and sophisticated use of iron, which gave them a significant military advantage over their enemies. They used iron weapons and chariots, which allowed them to conquer and control vast territories and establish a dominant presence in the region.
What Did the Hittites Do?
It is true that history is filled with grand events and important characters, but sometimes an entire land is worth the popularity. Just like these ancient people are. One of the greatest achievements of the Hittites was their development of a written language known as Hittite, which was used for record-keeping and diplomatic correspondence.
These people were also responsible for creating the world’s first written legal code, which was used to regulate trade, property, and other aspects of daily life. It might seem like nothing to us now, but back in those times, things were not as contoured. Most people did not know how to read, let alone create a legal code or language.
Their empire eventually declined and was conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire in the 11th century BC. However, the Hittites left a lasting impact on the ancient world, and their legacy continues to influence the study of ancient history and archaeology.
They are credited with multiple inventions and innovations. Aside from the groundbreaking legal code and the writing system, they created the first chariot. In those times, they used chariots for military purposes, but those who could afford one also used it as a transportation device. Their advanced techniques for making and using bronze tools and weapons are other important achievements of these people.
Who Were the Hittites Conquered By?
As mentioned before, the Hittites were conquered by the Neo-Assyrians. The Neo-Assyrian Empire was a political and military power that existed in the ancient Near East from 911 BC to 609 BC. It was the dominant empire in the region during this time, encompassing much of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and parts of Turkey and Egypt.
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was the successor to the previous Assyrian Empire, which had declined and was eventually conquered by the Babylonians. The Neo-Assyrian Empire was founded by king Adad-nirari II and reached its height of power under the rule of king Ashurbanipal in the 7th century BC.
The empire was known for its powerful army and military campaigns, which allowed it to conquer and control vast territories. The empire was also characterized by its sophisticated administrative system, which helped to maintain control over a large and diverse population.
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was famous for its impressive architectural achievements, including palaces, temples, and monumental gateways, many of which have been well-preserved and continue to be studied today. The empire was also known for its artistic achievements, including sculptures, reliefs, and illuminated manuscripts.
The Neo-Assyrian Empire eventually declined and was conquered by the Babylonians in 609 BC. However, the legacy of the Neo-Assyrian Empire continues to live on, and the monuments and artifacts remain popular tourist destinations in the modern-day Middle East. The Palace of Sennacherib in Nineveh, Iraq, which was one of the largest palaces of the ancient world, is one of the most notable monuments left by the neo-Assyrians. Its walls were decorated with relief sculptures depicting military campaigns and scenes from everyday life.
Are the Hittites Mentioned in the Bible?
Although people tend to forget about them, pretty often, even those who read the Holy Book, the Hittites appear several times in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. According to the Bible, they were one of the ancient peoples living in the Land of Canaan, which was the area that would later become Israel and Palestine.
In Genesis, these people are described as descendants of Heth, the son of Canaan, who was one of the sons of Ham, one of Noah’s sons. In the book of Exodus, these people are mentioned as one of the people living in the Land of Canaan who was conquered by the Israelites.
By the book of Deuteronomy, they are listed as one of the seven nations that were conquered by the Israelites and driven out of the Land. Also, in the book of Joshua, they are mentioned as a people living in the central hill country of Canaan.And also, in the books of Samuel and Kings, they are mentioned as a people with whom the Israelites formed political and military alliances. And as we clearly remember, the Israelites were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were considered the founders of Israel.
According to the Bible, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations and to give his descendants the Land of Canaan. This Land became known as the Promised Land. The Israelites were “the good guys” in the Holy Book and are usually remembered as those who never lost their identity in God and kept their beliefs, despite having some evil rulers and going through rough patches.
