HITTITE LANGUAGE Meaning and
Definition
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The Hittite language refers to an ancient Indo-European language that was spoken in the region of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) during the Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, specifically from the 17th to the 12th century BCE. It was the language used by the Hittite civilization, one of the most influential ancient civilizations, known for its military power and cultural achievements.
Hittite is predominantly attested through cuneiform tablets, which were discovered during excavations of the Hittite capital city of Hattusa and other ancient Hittite sites. These texts provide valuable insights into the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural practices of the Hittite people.
The Hittite language exhibits a variety of features typical of the Indo-European language family, including its complex grammar, distinct word order, and a rich vocabulary. While it shares certain similarities with other ancient Anatolian languages, it also displays significant differences.
Studying the Hittite language provides invaluable information about the political, social, and religious aspects of the Hittite civilization. Scholars have used this knowledge to better understand the ancient world, notably in the fields of comparative linguistics, religious studies, and ancient history.
Due to the decipherment of the Hittite language, facilitated by the discovery of the Hittite archives, it has become an essential field of research, shedding light on a significant chapter in human history and contributing to our understanding of the broader Indo-European language family.
Etymology of HITTITE LANGUAGE
The term "Hittite language" refers to the ancient language spoken by the Hittites, an Indo-European people who established a powerful empire in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) during the Late Bronze Age (1600-1200 BC).
The word "Hittite" itself derives from the name of the civilization and kingdom of the Hittites. This term was coined by modern historians and archaeologists to identify the ancient culture that had been lost to history for centuries. The name "Hittite" was initially used by biblical scholars who discovered references to this ancient empire in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
The etymology of the word "Hittite" remains uncertain. Some theories suggest that it could be related to the name "Hatti", which refers to the indigenous people of Anatolia.
