Cultural
Hattousa : la capitale hittite
Turquie
Photo : Francesco Bandarin (CC BY-SA 3.0 igo)
This archaeological site in central Turkey encompasses the ruins of Hattousa, the capital of the Hittite Empire, one of the ancient world's major powers. The city flourished during the Late Bronze Age and served as the political, religious, and cultural center of the Hittite state until its abandonment around the 12th century BCE. The remains include monumental gates with sculptured reliefs, temple complexes, palatial structures, and fortification walls that demonstrate sophisticated urban planning and architectural achievement. Located in the Anatolian plateau in north-central Turkey, the site preserves evidence of the interactions between the Hittites and neighboring civilizations through its artistic and administrative records. The inscription recognizes Hattousa as an exceptional testimony to Bronze Age civilization and its role in facilitating cultural exchange across the Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions.
