The Hittites – The Forgotten Pioneers of Iron and Law
Introduction History often celebrates the grandeur of Egypt and Babylon, yet an equally formidable power once thrived in Anatolia— the Hittites . This ancient civilization, flourishing between 1600 and 1180 BCE , revolutionized warfare with iron weapons and laid the foundation for early legal systems. While their empire eventually crumbled, their innovations shaped the ancient world in ways often overlooked. Masters of Iron: The Game-Changers of Warfare The Hittites were among the first civilizations to master ironworking . At a time when bronze was the dominant material for weapons and tools, the Hittites’ advancement in extracting and forging iron gave them a formidable edge. Their iron weapons were stronger, more durable, and cheaper to produce than their bronze counterparts, allowing them to equip large armies and dominate rival kingdoms, including Egypt and Mesopotamia. While they kept iron-smelting techniques a closely guarded secret, their knowledge eventually spread, triggeri...