Hattusa (ruins)
Country: Turkey
Region: Middle East
Period: ~ 1600-1178BCE
Location: 40.019722°N, 34.615278°E
Description
Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire, located in what is today central Turkey. It was one of the most important cities in the Principality City-States of Hatti, which flourished in the 2nd millennium BCE. The Hittites, an ancient Anatolian people, established Hattusa as their capital around 1600 BCE, transforming it into a formidable political and cultural center. The city's strategic location near major trade routes allowed it to thrive as a hub for commerce, military power, and administration.
Modern Remains
Today, the ruins of Hattusa are an important archaeological site, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s imposing walls, gates, temples, and the remnants of its royal palace still stand as a testament to the Hittite civilization. Archaeologists have uncovered thousands of clay tablets, which are invaluable to understanding the Hittites' legal, political, and social systems. The site also contains religious structures, including temples dedicated to various Hittite gods. While much of the city has been lost to time, Hattusa remains one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding ancient Anatolia and the Hittite Empire's influence on the wider ancient world.