New Kingdom

The Hittites were an ancient Indo-European people who rose to prominence in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) around the beginning of the 2nd millennium BCE. By 1340 BCE, they were a major power in the Middle East, with their capital at Hattusa.1

A significant event involving the Hittites was the Battle of Kadesh in 1275 BCE. This major chariot battle occurred in Syria between the Egyptians, led by Ramses II, and the Hittites under Muwatallis. While both sides claimed victory, the battle was largely inconclusive and ultimately led to the world's first recorded peace treaty between the two powers.2

The Hittite Empire eventually fell around 1193 BCE, possibly due to migrations of groups referred to as the Sea Peoples. Some Hittite territories, however, maintained their identity for centuries, evolving into smaller states before being absorbed by Assyria.1