The Hittite Empire, a civilization that dominated the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East region, holds a significant place in the history of the ancient world. During its peak, the Hittite Empire ruled over a vast area stretching from present-day Anatolia to northern Levant and northern Syria. It left behind a rich legacy of architectural and engineering feats, a sophisticated legal code, and numerous other contributions that have inspired later civilizations.
The Rise of the Hittite Empire
The Hittite Empire rose to prominence between 1650 and 1200 BCE, and its power and influence rapidly grew to encompass a large portion of the eastern Mediterranean and Near East regions. The Hittite capital, Hattusa, was known for its architectural prowess, and the city was home to many impressive buildings, including palaces and temples. The Hittite legal code, which was recorded in written form, was also considered one of the oldest forms of written law.
The Decline of the Hittite Empire
Despite its success and prosperity, the Hittite Empire eventually declined and disappeared after several centuries. There have been numerous theories regarding the cause of its downfall, and many historians have attributed the decline of the Hittite Empire to various factors, such as internal strife, external invasions, and natural disasters.
The Role of Climate Change in the Decline of the Hittite Empire
Recently, a new study has shed light on a possible factor contributing to the decline of the Hittite Empire: extreme drought. According to the research, the Hittite Empire may have been brought down by a three-year period of severe drought. The drought would have impacted the empire’s agriculture, which in turn would have affected its ability to feed its population, leading to widespread famine, and instability.
