Archeologists were aware of three major developed civilizations that were active about the same time periods (Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians). However, with the help of Lawrence of Arabia (a noted archeologist as well as famous for other things), they were able to unearth information about a fourth civilization -- the Hittites (of present-day Turkey). Fortunately for archeologists, the Hittites were consummate record-keepers. With all the technology available to current-day investigators, they are still unearthing records, seals, and other items to help tell the Hittite story.
Considering Hourly History's penchant is for one-hour stories, they did a wonderful job of explaining the Hittites in a few pages. They explain that the Hittites were 'yellow' people with black hair and of Indo-European extraction. They were active in the late Bronze Age and Iron Age. They figured out how to process iron to harden it but kept that info to themselves. They also perfected the spoked wheel chariot; which was fortunate because the Hittites were always on the prowl for more territory (for economic and political reasons).
I always appreciate it when authors take the time to tell a bit about the 'little people.' The author spent some time telling readers about the Hittite's style, culture, gods, and views. This helps the reader understand our connection to previous civilizations. The reasons for the Hittite's collapse are still being debated. The author posed some of the theories that are being inspected currently. This is a good intro to a complex civilization.
Considering Hourly History's penchant is for one-hour stories, they did a wonderful job of explaining the Hittites in a few pages. They explain that the Hittites were 'yellow' people with black hair and of Indo-European extraction. They were active in the late Bronze Age and Iron Age. They figured out how to process iron to harden it but kept that info to themselves. They also perfected the spoked wheel chariot; which was fortunate because the Hittites were always on the prowl for more territory (for economic and political reasons).
I always appreciate it when authors take the time to tell a bit about the 'little people.' The author spent some time telling readers about the Hittite's style, culture, gods, and views. This helps the reader understand our connection to previous civilizations. The reasons for the Hittite's collapse are still being debated. The author posed some of the theories that are being inspected currently. This is a good intro to a complex civilization.
