History

Hittite Period

1600 BC - 1178 BC

Great Empire

The Hittites established a powerful empire in Anatolia around 1600 BC, reaching a level that rivaled Egypt. The Cappadocia region was among the empire's strategic territories and served as a crossroads for important trade routes.

Cultural Heritage

Hittite cuneiform tablets and reliefs have been discovered in the region. The ancient city of Kültepe (Kanesh) is one of the most important archaeological sites where Assyrian trade colonies were found and thousands of cuneiform tablets were unearthed.

Key Events

MÖ 1600

Foundation of the Hittite Empire

MÖ 1178

Fall of the Hittite Empire

Related Periods

Prehistoric

Cappadocia's earliest known settlements begin with Neolithic sites such as Aşıklı Höyük and Çatalhöyük.

Phrygian Period

After the fall of the Hittite Empire, the Phrygians became the dominant power in Anatolia.