Hattusa is an ancient city located in north-central Turkey, near the modern town of Boğazkale in Çorum Province. It lies within the Central Anatolian Plateau, surrounded by rolling hills, rocky ridges, and fertile valleys. Today, Hattusa is an archaeological site rather than a living city, but it remains one of the most important ancient capitals in the history of Anatolia and the Near East.
Hattusa served as the capital of the Hittite Empire, one of the great powers of the Late Bronze Age. The site covers a vast area, including fortified city walls, temples, royal residences, administrative buildings, and sacred rock sanctuaries. Due to its historical and cultural importance, Hattusa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
The location of Hattusa was strategically chosen for defense rather than trade. Its elevated position, natural rock formations, and controlled access routes provided strong protection, reflecting the political and military priorities of the Hittite state.
History
The history of Hattusa spans several millennia. Archaeological evidence indicates that the site was inhabited as early as the Chalcolithic period. Before becoming the Hittite capital, it was known as Hattush and was inhabited by the Hattians, an indigenous Anatolian people.
In the 17th century BCE, Hattusa was conquered and rebuilt by the Hittites, who made it the center of their expanding empire. From this city, the Hittites ruled much of Anatolia and parts of the Levant and Mesopotamia. Hattusa became a major political, military, and religious center, housing royal archives and temples dedicated to numerous deities.
The city reached its peak during the 14th and 13th centuries BCE, when the Hittite Empire rivaled Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. The famous peace treaty between the Hittites and Egypt, following the Battle of Kadesh, was recorded in Hattusa’s archives.
Around the early 12th century BCE, Hattusa was abandoned, likely due to a combination of internal decline, external pressures, and regional instability during the Late Bronze Age collapse. The city was never rebuilt on the same scale, preserving its remains beneath layers of soil until modern archaeological excavations began in the late 19th century.
Geology
Hattusa is situated within the Central Anatolian Plateau, a region shaped by long-term tectonic activity and erosion. The local geology consists mainly of limestone, sandstone, and volcanic deposits, which were extensively used as building materials in the ancient city.
Large limestone blocks were employed in city walls, gates, and foundations, while natural rock outcrops were incorporated into fortifications and sacred spaces. The surrounding hills provided both defensive advantages and access to stone resources, reducing the need for long-distance transport of materials.
The plateau’s geology also influenced water management in Hattusa. Springs, cisterns, and reservoirs were constructed to collect and store water, ensuring supply during dry seasons and sieges. These engineering solutions demonstrate the Hittites’ advanced understanding of their geological and environmental conditions.
Things to See
Hattusa offers an exceptional range of archaeological features that provide insight into Hittite civilization:
City Walls and Gates
- Massive fortification walls stretching several kilometers
- The Lion Gate, decorated with stone lion sculptures
- The King’s Gate, featuring carved reliefs
- The Sphinx Gate, located at the highest point of the city
Religious and Administrative Sites
- The Great Temple, dedicated to the Storm God and the Sun Goddess
- Numerous smaller temples across the Upper City
- Royal palace ruins and administrative buildings
- Cuneiform tablet archives documenting laws, treaties, and rituals
Sacred and Natural Areas
- Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary, an open-air religious complex with carved deities
- Natural rock formations integrated into city planning
- Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the ancient city landscape
- Walking paths connecting major archaeological zones