The Hittites: The Story of a Forgotten Empire

A historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the significance and intricacies of the Hittite civilization, a powerful and influential empire that has largely faded from historical memory. Sayce aims to resurrect the story of the Hittites by connecting archaeological discoveries, biblical references, and ancient inscriptions, bringing their legacy back into the scholarly fold. At the start of the book, the author introduces the Hittites and highlights their importance as a historical power, particularly in relation to the Old Testament narratives. He discusses how skepticism about their existence has been overturned by recent archaeological findings that affirm their formidable role in ancient geopolitical dynamics. Sayce outlines various biblical references to the Hittites, illustrating their interactions with other significant civilizations such as the Egyptians and Assyrians while providing a foundation for understanding the rise and fall of this once-prominent empire. Through this exploration, the author sets the stage for a detailed investigation of Hittite culture, language, and contributions to history.