Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, is located near the modern village of Boğazkale in Turkey’s Çorum Province. It was one of the most important cities in the ancient Near East, serving as the political, religious, and cultural center of the Hittites. The city flourished from the 17th to the 13th century BC, playing a pivotal role in the development of the Hittite civilization, which was one of the major powers of the ancient world, alongside Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria.

Hattusa’s location in the heart of Anatolia placed it at the crossroads of multiple civilizations, allowing it to interact with both eastern cultures like Mesopotamia and western ones like the Aegean world. This unique positioning enabled Hattusa to become a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and ideas, helping the Hittites to build an empire that rivaled the great powers of the ancient world.

The city was heavily fortified, with massive stone walls that stretched for kilometers around its perimeter, making it one of the most impressive military strongholds of its time. Within these walls were royal palaces, temples, and administrative buildings that showcased the architectural prowess of the Hittites. The city also housed a significant number of cuneiform tablets, including legal codes, treaties, and religious texts, most famously the Hittite-Egyptian peace treaty with Pharaoh Ramses II, which is one of the earliest recorded peace treaties in history.

Historical significance

Today, the ruins of Hattusa provide invaluable insights into the Hittite civilization. Among the most remarkable remnants are the Royal Gate, the Lion Gate, and the Great Temple, dedicated to the storm god. The city’s royal archives, found in the Lower City, have yielded thousands of clay tablets that have been crucial in understanding the history and culture of the Hittites. One of the most fascinating structures is the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary, which is located just outside the city. The sanctuary features detailed rock carvings depicting Hittite gods and goddesses, showcasing the rich religious life of the city.

Hattusa was abandoned around the 12th century BC during the collapse of the Bronze Age civilizations. The city’s fall remains a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from invasions by the Sea Peoples to internal strife and economic decline. Today, Hattusa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to attract scholars and visitors interested in the ancient history of Anatolia. The site is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, providing a window into the grandeur of the Hittite Empire and its influence on the ancient world.

Hattusa is located near the modern village of Boğazkale, in Çorum Province. The closest major city is Ankara, from which Hattusa is a three-hour drive. If using public transport, take a bus from Ankara to Sungurlu, and from there, a minibus or taxi can take you to Boğazkale. Once in Boğazkale, you can explore the site by car or on foot, with several key landmarks of the ancient Hittite capital within walking distance of each other.

Twelve Hittite gods

the lion gate

The Great Temple

You can also explore several nearby historical spots around Hattusa. These close-by attractions offer further insight into the rich history of the region and are easily accessible for visitors wanting to extend their journey: