This course introduces the history of the ancient Hittite and related peoples (e.g., Luwians), who inhabited ancient Anatolia (Turkey), including the Hittite kingdom of the second millennium B.C. Students become acquainted with this largely neglected area of the ancient world, which was rediscovered in the 19th century, illuminating the Biblical references to the Hittites, long misunderstood. Study includes history, including acquaintance with the cuneiform literature of the Hittites and their conceptual paradigm.
This course guides the students in the history of Anatolia, especially as reconstructed through historical documents (cuneiform texts), recovered since the 19th century. This orients students regarding the relationships that were possible between Anatolia and the Hittites with the ancient Israelites of the Old Testament. This in turn informs possible comparisons between these cultures.
Ancient Anatolia, particularly the ancient Hittite kingdom, was a major player on the scene of the ancient Near East and the rise of civilization. The Hittites had connections throughout the region, including with the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Syrians, Canaanites, and Greeks. It is virtually impossible to obtain a clear grasp of the context of ancient Israel without some knowledge of Hittite and Anatolian history.
The history and thought of ancient Anatolia is examined in light of the Bible—and the Bible is illuminated by a growing knowledge of this influential ancient culture.
There are well-known potential similarities involving Hittites and, for example, their concept of treaty, which have played a role in Biblical interpretation. Possible affinities in thought are considered, which may have played a role in the potential effect of Biblical texts in the Anatolian world.
Familiarity with the culture of this land and people in the proximity of Israel lends insight into the cultural context of the Bible, helping to illuminate the interpretation of the Old Testament. The course provides an awareness of the broader history and mindset of the peoples surrounding Israel, without which it is more difficult to understand the Bible.
This ancient land is part of background of the Old Testament. Learning of its history and the thought patterns of its peoples broadens our thinking about the place of Israel in the ancient world.
Knowledge of ancient history shows that human nature continues unchanged over the millennia. The history of Anatolia is no different. Awareness of this culture and literature can add insight to the perspective on the modern world and our own place in the course of history.
Knowledge of history generally can alter our perspective on the present, including the nature of mankind. Seeing how thought and behavior even from 3500 years ago in Anatolia recur in the present age can deeply revise our views of who we are, erasing that “chronological snobbery” which regards those of the past as lesser because they are from the past.
