An ancient civilization centered on the city of Hattuša (near Boğazköy in modern Türkiye), the Hittites were one of the dominant powers in the Near East between the 15th and 13th centuries BCE. The Hittite Empire reached its peak during the 14th century under King Šuppiluliuma I (r. ca. 1350–1322 BCE), when it encompassed most of Anatolia and parts of Syria and northern Mesopotamia. In response to increasing threats from Assyria, King Hattusili III (r. ca. 1275–1245 BCE) concluded an alliance with Ramesses II of New Kingdom Egypt. The Treaty of Kadesh, one of the oldest surviving treaties in history, was signed in the 21st year of Ramesses’ reign (ca. 1258 BCE). Sometime around 1200 BCE, Hattuša was destroyed and never recovered. The reasons for the rapid collapse of the Hittite Empire remain unexplained.

Given the extent of the empire, there are relatively few remains of Hittite art preserved. These include a number of rock reliefs, as well as metalwork, carved ivory, and ceramics (outstanding examples are  the Hüseyindede vases). Web resources here and here.

Procession of the 12 Underworld Gods. Chamber B, Yazılıkaya, Hittite sanctuary, near Hattuša, Türkiye. Rock-cut relief. 13th c. BCE. Photo: Klaus-Peter Simon.