Little more than a century ago, our understanding of the Hittites was limited to a few scattered biblical references. Now we have at our disposal a rich corpus of Hittite texts and images which allow us to enter into the minds and the worlds of this strangely elusive civilization.

Hatti, the kingdom of the Hittites, was one of the great powers of the Late Bronze Age, rivalling and eventually surpassing the kingdoms of Babylon, Mitanni and Egypt. The Hittites worshipped a vast pantheon of gods, of which sun and storm gods were particularly revered, as well as adopting and integrating deities from other cultures. Their laws were as sophisticated as anything found in Mesopotamia, and their literature was rich, erudite and full of surprises.

This book, a fresh look at this ancient civilization, provides a fulsome overview of the history and culture of the Hittite Empire. It describes a colourful succession of Hittite rulers, complete with assassinations, intrigue, and even a wicked stepmother. Theirs is a history encapsulating grand conquests, sophisticated diplomacy, rich culture, and an abrupt decline, which stands as a testament to the intricate tapestry of ancient civilizations and the transient nature of imperialism.