Hittite Empire

Overview

The Hittite Empire (circa 1600-1178 BCE) is one of the great powers of the Late Bronze Age, controlling much of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and parts of northern Syria. From their mountain capital of Hattusa, the Hittite kings rule a vast realm that rivals New Kingdom Egypt in power and influence.

Political Structure

The Hittite state is centered around the Great King (Labarna), who rules from Hattusa. Unlike Egypt's divine pharaohs, Hittite kings are mortal rulers who serve the gods, particularly the Storm God of Hatti and the Sun Goddess of Arinna.

The empire is organized through a system of vassal kingdoms and territories. Local rulers maintain considerable autonomy in exchange for tribute, military service, and loyalty. This creates a complex web of obligations and relationships that merchants must navigate.

Key Features

• Military power: The Hittites field powerful armies, famous for their chariots and discipline
• Diplomacy: Masters of treaty-making and international correspondence
• Law: Known for their legal codes, less harsh than Babylonian law
• Iron-working: Beginning to develop iron metallurgy (still rare and precious)

Economy & Trade

The Hittite Empire sits astride crucial trade routes connecting:

• The Aegean coast to Mesopotamia
• The Phoenician Cities to the Anatolian interior
• The Tin Routes from the east to Mediterranean markets

Major exports: Silver, wool, timber, horses, iron (rare) Major imports: Tin, copper (from Cyprus), luxury goods, grain

Hittite merchants operate under royal licenses and often work closely with the palace administration. Major trade is frequently state-controlled or state-sponsored.

Major Cities

• Hattusa - The capital, fortified mountain citadel
• Carchemish - Key city on the Euphrates, controlling trade routes to Mesopotamia
• Tarsus - Important port city connecting to the Mediterranean
• Alalakh - Syrian vassal city, cosmopolitan trading center

Relations with Other Powers

Egypt

Following the famous Battle of Kadesh (c. 1274 BCE), the Hittites and Egyptians signed a peace treaty. Official relations are cordial, with diplomatic marriages and gift exchanges. In practice, tension remains over influence in Syria and the Levantine Coast.

See: Hittite-Egyptian Relations

Assyria

The rising power of Assyria to the east is a concern. Border disputes and competition over trade routes create ongoing friction.

The Aegean

The Hittites have complex relationships with the Mycenaean Kingdoms. Trade is active, but Mycenaean expansion along the Anatolian coast creates tensions. Troy and other western vassals are contested territory.

Vassal States

The Hittite grip on Syria and the Levant is maintained through vassals like Ugarit, Amurru, and others. These relationships require constant attention and occasionally military intervention.

Religion

The Hittites are known for adopting and honoring the gods of conquered peoples, creating a vast pantheon. Major deities include:

• Teshub - The Storm God of Hatti (equivalent to Baal, Zeus)
• Hebat/Hepat - Sun Goddess of Arinna, chief goddess
• Sharruma - Son of Teshub and Hebat
• Plus countless local deities and imported gods

The Hittites practice ritual and divination extensively. Omens are taken seriously by kings and merchants alike.

Current Situation (c. 1250 BCE)

The empire appears strong, but there are troubling signs:

• Succession disputes and internal political tensions
• Increased pressure from movements of peoples in the west and north
• The Peoples from the Islands - Lukka pirates raid the western coast
• Grain shortages requiring imports from Egypt
• Vassals showing signs of independence

For traders, the Hittite Empire is:

• Profitable: Wealthy markets and access to eastern goods
• Bureaucratic: Expect paperwork, licenses, and palace involvement
• Dangerous: Political intrigue, border conflicts, and bandits
• Honorable: Treaties and agreements are generally respected

For Player Characters

When traveling in Hittite territory:

• Show proper respect to local authorities and gods
• Understand the vassal system - who owes loyalty to whom matters
• Palace connections can be invaluable
• Winter travel through the mountains is extremely difficult
• Knowledge of Hittite diplomatic protocols can open doors

The Hittites value: honor, oaths, proper religious observance, and military prowess