Told with the characteristically soothing tone of Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, The Hittites is a sprawling and ambitious portrait of an influential unknown empire of power. Exhaustive in scope and thrilling in its execution, the film breathes vivid life into ancient history.
The journey began more than 3,500 years ago in the war-torn region around present-day Turkey. From the bloody struggle for territorial supremacy arose the Hittites, a military force known for defeating the staunchest of opponents. They ruled for the next 500 years until their final demise in 1200 BC.
For many around the world, exposure to the Hittite heritage is limited to its inclusion in parts of the Old Testament. That changed with one of the most remarkable discoveries in the history of archaeology. In the early 1900s, excavators unearthed thousands of clay tablets containing a series of messages recorded in the oldest Indo-European languages. Researchers quickly deciphered the language, deciphering the Hittites’ detailed military history.
The pearls of wisdom they gathered from these tablets influenced the content of the film. The filmmakers offer insights into the Hittite culture, its people, their series of successful battles, and their hierarchical characters. We understand their tactics of warfare; they show mercy to those who submit to their power and respond brutally to those who do not. We learn about their rituals and customs, and learn how some representatives of their legal system resonate in modern society. The movie also spends a lot of time examining how the Empire rose and fell under various military leaders. Collectively, these revelations deepen our appreciation for that era and, in some cases, its connection to the world we live in today.
The Hittites feature exquisite production values, interviews with leading scholars of the time, and stunning reenactments of important events, including the infamous Battle of Kadesh led by Pharaoh Ramesses II and King Mowatari II . Whether you’re an expert on a piece of history or a novice, this film provides a deep and satisfying understanding of its subject.
Directed by: Tolga Örnek
