The Hittites: The Story of a Forgotten Empire
1890
The Hittites: The Story of a Forgotten Empire
1890
Archaeology & Anthropology, History - Ancient
The Hittites: The Story of a Forgotten Empire, written by A. H. Sayce and first published in 1890, is a historical account that revives the significance of the Hittite civilization, which has largely faded from memory. Sayce connects archaeological findings, biblical references, and ancient inscriptions to illustrate the Hittites' influential role in ancient geopolitics, particularly in relation to the Old Testament. The book explores Hittite culture, language, and their interactions with other civilizations like the Egyptians and Assyrians, providing a comprehensive understanding of this once-prominent empire.
About The Hittites: The Story of a Forgotten Empire
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Introduces the Biblical references to Hittites, distinguishing between northern Syrian Hittites and southern Palestinian ones. Discusses how modern criticism once dismissed Biblical accounts of Hittite power, but archaeological discoveries have vindicated Scripture.
- 2
- Traces Hittite history through Egyptian and Assyrian records, from their first appearance under Thothmes III through their wars with Ramses II and eventual conquest by Assyrian kings. Includes the full text of the famous treaty between Ramses II and the Hittite king.
- 3
- Describes Sayce's discovery that the mysterious sculptures of Asia Minor, including those at Karabel, were actually Hittite monuments. Explains how he connected these with the Hamah inscriptions to prove a Hittite empire extending across Asia Minor.
Key Themes
- Archaeological Discovery and Historical Reconstruction
- The book demonstrates how modern archaeology can resurrect forgotten civilizations from scattered evidence. Sayce shows how monuments, inscriptions, and artifacts can be pieced together to reveal the story of an entire empire.
- Biblical Confirmation and Scholarly Vindication
- A central theme is how archaeological discoveries confirm Biblical narratives that were once doubted by critics. The Hittites, once dismissed as historically insignificant, are revealed as a major power exactly as Scripture described.
- Cultural Transmission and Influence
- The book explores how the Hittites served as cultural intermediaries, carrying Babylonian civilization westward to Asia Minor and ultimately influencing Greek culture and European civilization.
Characters
- A. H. Sayce(protagonist)
- The author and scholar who reconstructed the history of the Hittite empire through archaeological and textual evidence. He serves as the narrator and primary investigator throughout the work.
- Ramses II(major)
- The great Egyptian Pharaoh who fought extensive wars with the Hittites and eventually made a famous treaty with them. Known as the Pharaoh of the Oppression in Biblical context.
- Kheta-sira(major)
- The great Hittite king who made the famous treaty with Ramses II and gave his daughter in marriage to the Egyptian Pharaoh. Represents the height of Hittite diplomatic power.
- Tiglath-pileser I(major)
- The famous Assyrian king who conducted campaigns against the Hittites but was unable to capture their stronghold at Carchemish. Represents Assyrian military power.
- Sargon(major)
- The Assyrian king who finally conquered Carchemish in 717 BC, ending Hittite supremacy in Syria and marking the final doom of their empire.
- Uriah the Hittite(major)
- The Biblical figure who was one of David's chief officers and husband of Bath-sheba. Represents the Hittite presence in Judean society.
