Lost Worlds: Lost City of the Bible Discovered - Full Episode (S2, E11) | History

The script introduces the Hittites, a fierce tribe mentioned in the Bible and lost to history until the 19th century. Explorers in central Turkey discovered the majestic city of Hattusha, the capital of a forgotten empire, which was astonishingly advanced for its time. The city featured impressive construction techniques, high cliffs, impregnable walls, a giant pyramid, secret tunnels, and a sprawling temple complex dedicated to long-forgotten gods. The royal citadel, home to a dynasty of warrior kings, overlooks the city. The script sets the stage for an investigation into the advanced and mighty empire that vanished from history, aiming to uncover the secrets of the Hittites and recreate the city of Hattusha as it was during the rule of the last Hittite emperor, Hattusilı.

The script delves into the architectural and engineering feats of Hattusha, including the Lion's Gate, ancient fortifications, and the Yerkapi Rampart. The city's defenses were examined by a structural engineer and a military specialist, revealing the use of a casemate wall technique that allowed for the rapid construction of thick, durable walls. The Yerkapi Rampart, a pyramidal structure, was initially believed to be defensive but is later suggested to have had a ritual purpose. The rampart featured a corbelled arch tunnel that was likely used for ceremonial processes rather than defense. The city's water supply system, crucial for survival during a siege, was also highlighted, showing the Hittites' advanced engineering capabilities.

The investigation continues with a focus on the Hittites' history and military strategies. The Hittites emerged as a powerful tribe in Anatolia and expanded their borders, clashing with ancient empires, including Egypt. The script discusses the Battle of Kadesh, a critical historical event where the Hittites, led by Hattusilı, faced off against the Egyptians under Pharaoh Ramesses. The battle was a significant clash between two nations rather than just rival chiefdoms or cities. The script also mentions the discovery of thousands of cuneiform tablets in Hattusha that provide the Hittite account of the battle, which contradicts the Egyptian version recorded on their temples.

This section explores the Battle of Kadesh in greater detail, contrasting the Egyptian and Hittite accounts. According to the Hittite records, Ramesses was outmaneuvered by Hattusilı, which led to a significant Hittite victory. However, Ramesses' propaganda portrayed the battle as a great Egyptian triumph. The Hittite records are considered more objective, revealing that the Egyptians suffered a defeat at the hands of Hattusilı. The script also discusses the political implications of the battle, with Hattusilı becoming a national hero and eventually seizing the throne, breaking the Hittite's strict rules of succession.

The script shifts focus to the religious practices and architecture of the Hittite Empire, specifically the Great Temple of Hattusha. The temple, dedicated to the Storm Father Teshub and the Sun Mother, was a massive structure with an inner sanctum and a holy of holies. The temple complex was rebuilt by Hattusilı, possibly as penance for breaking the sacred laws of succession. The script describes the temple's construction, including the use of limestone blocks, wooden frameworks, and mud bricks. It also mentions the religious rituals performed at the temple, involving the statues of the gods, which were treated as living representations of the deities.

The script highlights the cultural integration within the Hittite Empire, which encompassed a diverse range of people and gods from different conquered regions. The Hittites were known as the 'People of a Thousand Gods,' reflecting the syncretism of their religious practices. Additionally, the Hittites had a detailed and evolving legal system that permeated every aspect of their lives. Their laws were progressive, focusing on compensation rather than retribution. The script also emphasizes the importance of treaty making in Hittite diplomacy, which allowed them to forge an empire through peaceful means and establish the world's first international peace treaty, the Treaty of Kadesh.

The script describes Hattusilı's ambitious building project, the royal citadel, designed to protect himself and his family from internal threats following his controversial rise to power. The citadel, located on a naturally fortified plateau, featured elite bodyguards, a private temple, and a grand reception hall for foreign dignitaries. The script also mentions Puddaheppa, Hattusilı's queen, who played an influential role in public life and helped maintain the empire's stability. However, the empire faced internal strife, with Hattusilı's grandson's reign marked by civil wars and the eventual fall of the Hittite Empire.

The script concludes with the fall of the Hittite Empire, which occurred during the reign of Hattusilı's grandson. Archaeological evidence suggests that a great fire consumed the city, possibly ignited by internal conflict rather than external invasion. The empire's decline was marked by civil wars as rival factions sought to claim the throne. Despite the collapse, remnants of Hittite civilization persisted, with Neo-Hittite cultures continuing in parts of Syria, as evidenced by the continued雕刻of lion statues, similar to those at the Lion's Gate in Hattusha. The script reflects on the legacy of the Hittite Empire and the city of Hattusha, which was lost to history for over 3,000 years before being rediscovered.