Hittite is a member of the Anatolian branch of the Indo-European family, and the earliest attested Indo-European language. Anatolian is generally regarded as the first branch to have separated from the other Indo-European languages. Aside from Hittite it includes Luwian (Cuneiform and Hieroglyphic) and Palaic, all from the second millennium BC, and Hieroglyphic Luwian, Lycian, Lydian, and the scantily attested Carian, Pisidian, and Sidetic in the first millennium BC.
The teaching programme covers second millennium BCE Anatolia, the emergence of Hittite polities and the Hittite Kingdom, the Hittite conquests in South-eastern Turkey and Syria, Hittite culture, religion, and literature. Attention will be paid to their relationship with Hurrian and other contemporary cultures. During classes will be presented general information on the political geography of Central and Eastern Turkey.
The course is particularly designed to be a useful tool for students who want to have an introductory overview of the elements of the Hittite language and writing. It gives the necessary cultural and historical background as well as suggestions for further readings. It also explains the principles of the cuneiform writing system borrowed by the Hittites from Mesopotamia.
