the first iron empire

HITTITES

THE FIRST IRON EMPIRE 

Little is known of the Hittites, except that they introduce the Iron age.

About  2,000 BC, mixed Asian tribes settled Syria and Turkey, and established small city-states, ruled by tribal chieftains.

The capital was moved near Ankara (the present capital in turkey). 

Hittite- comes from the word Hatti, the Babylonian name for conqueror.

WHAT IS THE FIRST TREATY ABOUT?

After the Hittites had conquered a vast empire, they were eager to expand their power.

In the 13th century BC, in the epic battle of Kadesh, in Syria, Egypt was their main rival. 

The Hittite iron chariots and weapon smashed through the soft swords and shields of the Egyptian ranks. So the Egyptians surrendered and gave the Hittites what they wanted.

Thettmose III of Egypt made an agreement to give the border land to the Hittites. This became the first written international treaty in history. 

HITTITE CONTRIBUTION TO CIVILIZATION.

Horse-drawn chariots terrified enemies in warfare.

Hittites were the first people in history to mine, smelt, and iron tools and weapons