How Hattusa Ascended to Capital Status

In the mid-17th century BCE, Labarna, the first true king of the Hittites, arrived at the ruined trading post and resolved to revitalize it. He fortified the city with walls and constructed new edifices, eventually relocating the unified Hittite capital from Kaneshe to Hattusa. It is during this period that he likely took on the name Hattusili.

Hattusa's geographical positioning contributed significantly to its strength. The city was built atop a flattened hill covering around 1.8 square kilometers, and the enormous walls encircling the structures enhanced its defensibility.

The capital was divided into two distinct areas: the urban zone situated behind the city walls and the inner citadel, which housed administrative buildings and temples. Access to Hattusa was protected by three imposing gates, flanked by platforms and fortified exteriors.

The reasons behind the decline of Hattusa remain a topic of debate among archaeologists. Some speculate that it fell to the Sea Peoples around the 11th century BCE, while others argue that natural disasters, such as a severe drought from 1198 to 1196 BCE, played a crucial role in its abandonment.

Archaeological Discoveries in Hattusa

The archaeological site of Hattusa is found in Boğazkale, approximately 140 km from Ankara. Despite references to Hattusa in biblical texts, many scholars long questioned its existence, as the world only learned about the Hittites in the 19th century. Excavations began, revealing artifacts that confirmed the city’s historical significance.

French historian and archaeologist Charles Texier was the first to uncover Hattusa in 1834 during his expedition to Anatolia. Initially seeking remnants of a Gallic tribe, he instead identified the ruins as part of the ancient Median city of Pteria. This finding was supported by later scholars.

A significant breakthrough occurred in 1893 when Ernest Chantre excavated cuneiform tablets identified as Hittite. Comprehensive excavation efforts commenced in 1906, led by Hugo Winckler, who established by 1912 that Hattusa had once served as the capital of a mighty ancient empire.

Research at Hattusa continues today, with a team from the German Archaeological Institute in Istanbul, under Professor Andreas Schachner, actively involved in ongoing studies.

Monuments and Structures of Hattusa

To this day, numerous awe-inspiring monuments left by Hattusa's ancient inhabitants have been uncovered. Among them are three gates that serve as access points to the city. The Lion Gate, located on the western side, features two animal statues—one of which is a reconstruction, while the other remains largely intact.

The eastern gate, known as the Royal Gate, is also well-preserved and features a unique relief that, while named misleadingly, depicts a warrior rather than a ruler. The southern gate, referred to as the Sphinx Gate, is likewise adorned with distinctive carvings.

At the highest elevation of the city lies the citadel, offering a stunning view of Hattusa's landscape. The royal residence of Hittite kings today appears unremarkable, as most artifacts are preserved underground for protection.

One of the site’s intriguing features is the "House on the Slope," likely an archive, where numerous cuneiform tablets were discovered. The upper city revealed the largest complex of religious buildings, with 28 temples found, alongside residential ruins in the lower city.

The Yerkapi tunnel, consisting of 12 tunnels discovered, stands out for its preservation. This specific tunnel extends 70 meters beneath the city walls, constructed from stone blocks and earth fill, with an exterior covered in limestone.

Scholars remain uncertain about its purpose; some suggest it may have served a defensive role while others propose it could have had ceremonial significance. The tunnel, along with its external exit, is still intact today.

Key Artifacts Found in Hattusa

Among the artifacts unearthed, the royal library is of paramount importance, recognized as one of the oldest in the Middle East. Approximately 1300 clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing were discovered, including crucial texts like the Hittite legal code containing around 200 laws.

Interesting Facts About Hattusa

To wrap up, here are some fascinating tidbits about the Hittite capital. In one of the city’s tunnels, researchers found Anatolian hieroglyphs, indicating the widespread use of hieroglyphic writing in the region. These hieroglyphs, likely created with dye from the madder plant, have survived well due to the tunnel's stable, dark conditions.

Recognizing its historical significance and unique urban layout, Hattusa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.