Hittites: The Forgotten Civilization That Shaped the Ancient Near East

Hittite ceremonial drinking cup shaped like a human fist, made of silver, with detailed relief figures along the sleeve, from Central Turkey, likely used in rituals during the reign of Tudhaliyas III (c. 1400–1380 B.C.). Silver Hittite objects like this are exceptionally rare and held ritual significance.

The Hittites were an ancient civilization that thrived in modern-day Turkey and northern Syria from roughly 1600 to 1200 BCE. They were one of the first to forge iron tools and weapons. Along with Egypt, they created the world's first known peace treaty. Their law codes were ahead of their time, yet despite this, very... Continue Reading →