Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Cities
Çatalhöyük, which arose around 6500 BC, was perhaps history's first-ever city - a centre
of innovation, where locals developed crop irrigation, domesticated pigs and sheep, and
created distinctive pottery. Larger settlements, often fortified, sprung up, and by 3000 BC
advances in metallurgy led to the creation of various Anatolian kingdoms, including one
at Alacahöyük. It showed Caucasian influence, which is evidence of trade beyond the
Anatolian plateau.
On the west coast, trade was also increasing, with Troy trading with the Aegean islands
and mainland Greece. Around 2000 BC the Hatti people established a capital at Kanesh
(Kültepe, near Kayseri), ruling over a web of trading communities. Here, for the first time,
Anatolian history materialises from archaeological conjecture, with clay tablets providing
written records of dates, events and names.
Hittites & Troy
The Hatti soon declined and the Hittites swal-
lowed their territory, leaving a legacy that in-
cludes their state archives (cuneiform clay tab-
lets) and distinctive artistic styles. They were
warlike, yet also displayed imperial trappings
such as a sense of ethics and occasional dip-
lomacy. They overran Ramses II of Egypt in
1298 BC, then patched things up by marrying
him to a Hittite princess.
The Hittite Empire was harassed in later
years by subject principalities, including the
new dynasty at Troy, which established itself as
a regional power. The encroachment of the iron-
smelting Greeks, generally known as the 'sea
peoples', hastened the Hittites' demise and led
to the Trojan War in 1250 BC.
Ancient
Capitals
1 İSTANBUL (
CLICK HERE
)
2 EPHESUS (
CLICK HERE
)
3 ANI (
CLICK HERE
)
4 HATTUŞA (
CLICK HERE
)
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