Hittite social, political, and religious life centered on its temples. Annual festivals and Hattuşa’s impressive architecture projected power and promoted a common culture emanating from the empire’s core.

GREAT TEMPLE

Main sanctuary

Main gate

King

Sun goddess of Arinna

The great temple was dedicated to the storm god and sun godess. Within the sanctuaries, images of gods were offered food, drink, and gifts. Deities adopted from other lands were often worshipped in their native tongues.

Chambers surrounding the Great Temple stored food, seeds, cuneiform tablets, and possible war booty. Temple attendants may have used them as places to sleep.

Gateway

Storage

Plaster

Brick

Wood

Stone

Stone foundations protected the building from rain and snow. The construction used throughout Hattuşa required constant maintenance.

Graphics Editor: Fernando Baptista, NGM Staff. Researcher: Patricia Healy, NGM Staff.

Sources: Andreas Schachner, German

Archaeological Institute; Theo van den Hout, University of Chicago; Adam Kryszeń, University of Warsaw; Charles W. Steitler, Academy of Science and Literature