Hattusas

Çorum Province, Turkey

---

Hattusas, located in Çorum Province, Turkey, was the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire and is one of the most significant archaeological sites from the late Bronze Age. Established around 1650 BCE, it was a major political, religious, and cultural center with formidable city walls stretching about 8 kilometers, fortified by over a hundred towers and several monumental gates like the Lion’s Gate and the King’s Gate.

The city was strategically situated in a fertile valley with natural defenses and featured royal palaces, temples, and administrative buildings. Hattusas endured multiple destructions and rebuildings over centuries, reflecting the turbulent history of the Hittite state. Archaeological excavations have uncovered vast archives of clay tablets revealing the Hittites' advanced legal, diplomatic, and religious practices.

Near the city lies Yazılıkaya, a rock sanctuary with impressive Hittite relief carvings of gods and kings. Today, Hattusas is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering insight into one of the ancient world’s most powerful empires and its sophisticated urban and defensive architecture.