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Location
Located south of the Black Sea and east of the Mediterranean, the Hittite Empire, known as the land of Hattusa, is large and diverse. It covers the entire area now known as Turkey and stretches down to the borders of Assyria in the Arabian Peninsula. It is the single largest territory under one ruler in the world of Aeipathy and arguably the most powerful.
Maps
For maps of Hattusa and its surrounding areas see the Cartography section in Hattusa's Visuals page.
Historical Age
The Hittite empire has ruled the lands of the Anatolian plains since1750 BC. It is therefore roughly 800 years old in Aeipathy time. This makes it one of the youngest empires of the area but its success in military campaigns and a strong political foundation have seen it grow faster than most. Originally focused on central Anatolia, the Hittite Empire expanded to reach the western straits and the borders of Assyria in the east in the great expansion of the 1400-1200 BC.
Read more on comparative ages of our lands and empires in the Lands Overview page.
Population
The population of Hattusa is incredibly low when compared to its size, due to large areas of the empire being relatively inhospitable. Cities and towns are large, bustling hubs of activity but often situationed days, if not weeks, apart. That being said, Hattusa’s capital is the largest city in the known world and its neighbouring settlements built on a similar scale, making Hattusa one of the most highlypopulated lands on Aeipathy, even if the land to people ratio is less dense than elsewhere.
Most settlements are incredibly old, owing to the difficulty in creating new ones: most buildings are carved from rock-faces or built with stone transported vast distances. Whilst new towns are not impossible, building something that lasts is difficult in such a large region, so most cities stand where they have always stood. This includes those that were taken in the great expansions of the Hittite Empire in 1400-1200 BC. Many settlements in Hattusa were once the territory of other nations, the citizens within their walls once ruled by other kings. On occasion this creates rebellious tension or argument but more generally it has formed a diverse nation of overlapping opinions, religions and personal identity. Hattusa is a land of multiple nations and populaces living peacefully under a single, prosperous rule.
Read more about the peoples of Hattusa under the Hittite People section in Hattusa's Social page.
Size and TravelLatitudeFrom the far western border at the Bosphorus (now known as the Turkish or Istanbul Strait) to the borders of the Assyrian empire.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
Single Traveller
2.5 months
4 weeks
Small Group
3.5 months
5.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
4 months
7 weeks
LongitudeFrom the coastlines of the Black Sea to the eastern curve of the Mediterranean and Phoenician border.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
Single Traveller
4 weeks
2 weeks
Small Group
6 weeks
3 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
2 months
4 weeks
Between CitiesHattusa has three major city hubs: Hattusa, Carchemish and Kizzuwatna.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
Hattusa <> Carchemish
Single Traveller
3 weeks
10 days
Small Group
5 weeks
13 days
Large Group / Convoy
6.5 weeks
4 weeks
Hattusa <> Kizzuwatna
Single Traveller
2.5 weeks
8 days
Small Group
4 weeks
11 days
Large Group / Convoy
6 weeks
2 weeks
Carchemish <> Kizzuwatna
Single Traveller
1.5 weeks
5 days
Small Group
2.5 weeks
7 days
Large Group / Convoy
4 weeks
12 days
SeafareHattusa is a single, large landmass sitting on the coast of the Black Sea to the north. It shares half of its southern border with the Mediterranean. To travel from the the far west of the empire at the Bosphorus to the northern border as far east as it is possible to go, via the Black Sea would take 2 weeks. To journey from the Bosphorus to Phoenicia's western coastline to the south would take 1 week.
By Sea
Hattusa <> Carchemish
Unnecessary
Hattusa <> Kizzuwatna
Unnecessary
Carchemish <> Kizzuwatna
5 days by ship from Kizzuwatna then 1 day by land to Carchemish.
For more information on manners of travel, see the Transport section of Hattusa’s Science page.
International TravelAssyriaLying to the east of Hattusa, Assyria can be reached by land, or by sea and then land for a faster route (if journeying from the far western coast). Given the capital Hattusa lies in the centre of the empire, land travel is the fastest way from the city to reach the Assyrian border.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
From Hattusa
Single Traveller
3.5 weeks
12 days
Small Group
6 weeks
2.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
2 months
4 weeks
From Carchemish
Single Traveller
5 days
2 days
Small Group
7 days
5 days
Large Group / Convoy
13 days
10 days
From Kizzuwatna
Single Traveller
4 weeks
12 days
Small Group
6 weeks
2.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
2 months
5 weeks
By Sea
From Hattusa
Unnecessary
From Carchemish
Unnecessary
From Kizzuwatna
5 days by ship from Kizzuwatna then same land journey times for Carchemish + 1 day.
BabyloniaBabylonia is to the far east of the Aeipathy world, and one must pass through Assyria by land to reach it. Assyria can be reached by land, or by sea and then land, for a faster route (if journeying from the far western coast of Hattusa). After this, the journey must be made on land between Assyria and Babylonia. Given the capital Hattusa lies in the centre of the empire, land travel is the fastest way from the city to reach the Assyrian border.
By Land
By Sea
All Travellers
From Hattusa, a traveller must reach the Assyrian border (see above), then cross the latitude of Assyria to Babylonia (see the Size and Travel section of Assyria's Land page for distance / times. Add these two calculations together for a total travel time.
Unnecessary
Bedoa'mtBedoa'mt lies in the north of the African continent. Travellers can make a direct sea voyage from the southern coast of Hattusa to the northern coast of Bedoa’mt, across the Mediterranean Sea. If a ship is unavailable, land travel is possible but this would take excessive time and money. It would be an unwise journey unless other opportunities were utilised along the way (such as trade).
By Land
By Sea
All Travellers
Calculate the total time by combining: the travel time to reach Assyria's border (above), the time to cross the longitude of Assyria (in the Size and Travel section of Assyria's Land page) and Phoenicia (in the Size and Travel section of Phoenicia's Land page), to the K'm't border and the time to cross the latitude of K'm't to the Bedoa'mt border (in the Size and Travel section of K'm't's Land page).
3 weeks
HellasHellas lies to the west of Hattusa in the Aegean Sea, the north-eastern portion of the Mediterranean. Whilst it is technically possible to reach the Athenian kingdom of the Hellenes over land (via the Bosphorus strait and then around the Aegean coastline) this is entirely impractical. To reach Hellas, all travellers would sail.
By Land
By Sea
From Hattusa / Carchemish
All voyages to Hellas must begin the eastern coast. Add the journey time across the latitude of Hattusa (above) and then sail from Arzawa.
To Athenia: 3 days To Colchis: 1 day To Taengea: 1 day
From Kizzuwatna
The above is possible (follow above instructions). Or sail directly from Kizzuwatna.
To Athenia: 7 days To Colchis: 9 days To Taengea: 5 days
K'm'tIn the north-east of the African continent lies K’m’t. Travellers can make a direct sea voyage from the southern coast of Hattusa to the northern coast of K’m’t, across the Mediterranean Sea. If a ship is unavailable, land travel is possible but this would take more time and money. It would be an unwise journey unless other opportunities were utilised along the way (such as trade).
By Land
By Sea
All Travellers
Calculate the total time of a land journey by combining: the travel time to reach Assyria's border (above), the time to cross the longitude of Assyria (in the Size and Travel section of Assyria's Land page) and Phoenicia (in the Size and Travel section of Phoenicia's Land page) to the K'm't border.
2 weeks
OstjordOstjord monopolises the north-western corner of the European continent. The easiest way to reach their lands is by crossing the Bosphorus strait (trade and travel arrangements are likely to take a day to pass through) and then cutting directly across Europe. Alternatively, travellers can sail around the entirety of the continent in order to land on the opposing western coast. Calculations below are made from the Bosphorus.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
Single Traveller
2 months
4 weeks
Small Group
3.5 months
6 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
4.5 months
2 months
By Sea
All Travellers
2 months
PhoeniciaPhoenicia lies on the other side of the Assyrian territories. To reach it by land, one must first reach Assyria then pass through to the Phoenician border. Alternatively, you can sail from Hattusa’s southern coast (from Kizzuwatna) to Phoenicia’s western shore.
By Land
By Sea
All Travellers
Calculate time of travel by combining the time to reach Assyria's border (above) with the time to cross Assyria's longitude (in the Size and Travel section of Assyria's Land page).
9 days
RomaOccupying most of modern day Italy, Austria, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia and parts of Albania and Spain, travel times vary for Roma depending on which area is your destination. Any can be reached by land, sea or a combination of the two.
Walking
Horseback / Chariot
To Remusi Lands
Single Traveller
3.5 weeks
12 days
Small Group
6 weeks
2.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
2 months
4 weeks
To Netuno Lands
Single Traveller
2 months
1 month
Small Group
3.5 months
6 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
4.5 months
2 months
To Mainland Roma
Single Traveller
3 months
6 weeks
Small Group
5 months
9 weeks
Large Group / Convoy
6.5 months
3 months
To Cassia Lands
Single Traveller
Seafare required
Small Group
Large Group / Convoy
To Cannae's Western Lands
Single Traveller
4 months
2 months
Small Group
7 months
3 months
Large Group / Convoy
9 months
4 months
By Sea
To Remusi Lands
Add 2 days land travel to time it takes to reach Athenia in Hellas (above).
To Netuno Lands
Sail for 9 days after reaching Remusi lands.
To Mainland Roma
Sail for 2 days after reaching Remusi lands.
To Cassia Lands
1 month. Or, sail for 7 days after reaching Roma Mainland.
To Cannae's Western Lands
5 weeks. Or, sail for 9 days after reaching Cassia lands.
AnachronismAll travel times / distances on Aeipathy have been fictionalised (to a point) to create a realistic but workable roleplaying world. For ideas on how to "wiggle" your travel time to meet your roleplaying needs, see the Lands Overview page or message our staff team.
Climate
Coastal regions, closer to sea level, enjoy milder climates similar to the Hellas states across the Mediterranean. The larger portion of Hattusa's territory, however, is inland; surrounding the capital and sheltered by higher altitudes and mountainous plateaus. High altitude causes more extreme seasons and very little rainfall.
Referred to As
Climate / Weather
Spring
The Rainy Season
Hattusa has little rainfall but most cities have naturally occurring springs that fill during the rainy season due to fresh water runoff from nearby mountains. Spring is also the time of hopeful growth to see which seedlings have survived beneath the winter snow.
Summer
The Dry Season
Summers are incredibly hot and dusty. Not to the same temperatures as Bedoa’mt but just as dry. Most labour hours change during this season so that workers remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Harvest is collected earlier than other lands, before the heat can become too extreme and choke the annual crop.
Autumn
Season of the Wind
The most fertile and comfortable time of year, autumn provides the wind necessary for forges to heat iron ore. Gales and dry storms are common. As iron is Hattusa’s greatest monopoly in the known world, the season of the wind is greeted with much joy, and hard work as fresh seeds are planted for next year’s harvest.
Winter
Season of the Earth
Due to its altitude, Hattusa has relatively heavy snow in the winter. Heat becomes important and, with a lack of naturally occurring timber, Hattusa becomes more reliant on its long-distance merchants and international trade routes for fuel and food.
The Provinces
Settlements
Due to much of its land being too dry / dusty to sustain large settlements, the majority of Hittites live within larger cities instead of small towns and villages. Each province of Hattusa is a town or city and is often found within a cluster of other provinces in the same area. Any land between these settlements is used by local residents but actually owned by the crown, not the local government. The three major strongholds of the empire are Hattusa, Carchemish and Kizzuwatna.
West Arzawa
Central Hattusa Alinna
Ankuwa
Kanesh
Usakli Hoyuk
North Nerik
Alaca Hoyuk
Sapinuwa
Samuha
South Kizzuwatna Atuna
Karatepe
East Carchemish Tynna
AnachronismArzawa and Kizzuwatna were their own empire states, eventually annexed into the Hittite empire. Their territories contained main cities and towns of their own. In order to include these areas but not over-complicate our map, they've been reduced to provinces.
Alaca Hoyuk
BaronyOpen
Population11,800
Military SpecialismMounted archery, Fort / City defence, Vanguard exploration.
Main ExportGold and jewel work. Sub-ExportFaience, glassware, sculpture, pottery.
For further information on faience, what it is and its role in the fine crafts of the ancient world see this link. It is produced in several of the eastern lands of Aeipathy's world and is most famous in K'm't.
Alinna
Barony+beratpiluwanda
Population21,200
Military SpecialismLarge-scale infantry, Small-scale incursion, Fort / City defence.
Main ExportIron. Sub-ExportWeaponry, bronze work, carpentry.
Ankuwa
BaronyOpen
Population24,300
Military SpecialismLarge-scale infantry, Large-scale archery, Mounted archery.
Main ExportFabric. Sub-ExportAle, barley, craftworks, carpentry, silks, jewellery.
Arzawa
Barony+maheptaeryi
Population29,900
Military SpecialismLarge-scale infantry, Message runners.
Main ExportTrade taxes. Sub-ExportEverything.
Atuna
BaronyOpen
Population19,100
Military SpecialismMounted archery, Vanguard exploration, Espionage training.
Main ExportFlour. Sub-ExportGrain, wheat, barley, bergamots, fowl meat.
Carchemish
Barony+teomananurtu
Population35,100
Military SpecialismLarge-scale infantry, Large-scale charioteers, Small-scale incursion, Fort / City defence.
Main ExportOlive and nut oils. Sub-ExportFabrics, crafts, spices, nuts, olives, bergamots, fruits.
Hattusa
BaronyNone - Capital City
Population47,900
Military SpecialismLarge-scale infantry, Large-scale archery, Large-scale charioteers, Fort / City defence, Espionage training.
BaronyOpen
Population22,400
Military SpecialismLarge-scale charioteers, Message runners.
Main ExportFlour. Sub-ExportGrain, wheat, barley, fruits, nuts, oil.
Karatepe
BaronyOpen
Population13,800
Military SpecialismSmall-scale incursion, Espionage training.
Main ExportSoldiers. Sub-ExportWeaponry, armour, papyrus paper, ink.
Kizzuwatna
Barony+turahtepeniya
Population24,600
Military SpecialismLarge-scale archery, Large-scale charioteers, Small-scale incursion, Message runners.
Main ExportFish. Sub-ExportShellfish, iron ore (via Hellas), bronze, trade tax.
Nerik
Barony+ilbanunanuun
Population19,900
Military SpecialismLarge-scale archery, Large-scale charioteers, Small-scale incursion, Message runners.
Main ExportLinen. Sub-ExportFabrics, baskets, footwear, leatherwork, clay.
Samuha
BaronyOpen
Population14,300
Military SpecialismSmall-scale incursion, Espionage training, Message runners.
Main ExportClay. Sub-ExportMetalwork, fresh-water fish, game meat.
Sapinuwa
Barony+ibramkarkesh
Population10,100
Military SpecialismSmall-scale incursion, Fort / City defence, Vanguard exploration.
Main ExportGoldwork. Sub-ExportFine goods, glassware, carvings and statuary.
Tynna
BaronyOpen
Population16,700
Military SpecialismNo military legions.
Main ExportMedicinal herbs. Sub-ExportNut oil, oranges, lemons.
AnachronismTynna was actually the location of the temple of Ḫallara, goddess of midwifery, but little is known of Hallara (she is one name among hundreds of Syrian deities) so we have replaced her here with the fate-spinners who are also goddesses of midwifery.
Usaki Hoyuk
BaronyOpen
Population13,300
Military SpecialismMounted archery, Vanguard exploration, Espionage training.
Main ExportCandles. Sub-ExportRope, oils: nut and olive, talismans.
Wildlife and Resources
Flora
Flowers grow well in Hattusa during the rainy season, due to the flowing underwater springs. Their period of growth is short and so flowers are considered special and expensive luxuries. Local blooms include: tulips, crocuses, snowdrops, oleanders, fuchsias, hydrangeas, jasmines, wisterias and lilies. Only areas close to the northern orsouthern coast have the climate to grow these plants year round.
Common herbs able to be grown across the country include rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender and juniper.
Trees and forestry account for just 25% of Hattusa’s territory. Little of this is hard wood suitable for building, so instead it is used for botanical purposes. These species include: the olive tree, wild maple, sycamore, bay laurel, pistachio, turkish hazel, palm, lime, cypress and judas trees. These provide Hattusa’s thriving oils, nuts and medicinal trade. There is a limited stock of oak and pine trees in Hattusa.
For more information on crops, vegetables and edible flora see the Food and Cuisine section in Hattusa's Social page.
For more on medicinal herbs and healing practices see the Medicine section of Hattusa's Science page.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
Fauna
The mammals of Hattusa range from the common squirrels, shrews, rabbits, porcupines and field mice to bats, jackals, wildcats, wolves, hyenas, caracals, foxes and the occasional otter in wet areas. Gazelle, goats, deer and boars can also be found, both domesticated and wild. The asiatic lion, the caspian tiger and the brown bear are also present, but rare.
Attracted by Hattusa’s warm temperatures, the empire is home to many cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians including snakes, lizards, salamanders, geckos and newts. There are rare sightings of tortoises, and turtles can be found in the Black Sea on Hattusa’s north coast.
Hattusa is home to an expansive array of birds, including those hunted for their meat such as geese and pheasant (see below for the full list) and wilder aviary creatures including: buzzards, swifts, nightjays, coots, cranes, storks, hawks, eagles, kites, owls, falcons, kingfishers, shreeks, crows, larks, swallows, wrens and magpies. Closer to water sources are gulls, pelicans and herons. Flamingos and peacocks are sometimes kept as pets by the wealthy.
Read more on specific birds local to this area of the world here
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
Natural MaterialsFresh Water Despite limited rainfall, fresh water is more or less plentiful in Hattusa, provided you are close to a source. Advanced construction, acqueducts and collection means, provide citizens of all major cities with wells and man-made springs from which water can be fetched. Tall, large vases are most commonly used to fetch water, and for long journeys wax-treated hide sacks can carry small amounts without leaking. As it is common to fetch water at the beginning of the day, small crowds often form around wells and springs, turning a simple task into a daily, communal event. Alongside fruit juice and goat's milk, water is the most common drink in Hattusa.
Crops Wheat and barley grow across Hattusa, but mainly towards the northand west of the empire. Many fortified cities are reliant on the delivery of wheat and barley, pre-ground and ready for baking use. When trade routes are compromised, these resources are usually the first to diminish. Otherwise, most enjoy ample supply. The grain is rarely baked into loafs of fluffy bread but instead thin, soft and chewy pita-like discs eaten as side dishes to other meals.
Ore Metal ore is plentiful in Hattusa. While they do not have the masses of gold enjoyed by Egypt or the bronze and jewels of Hellas, Hattusa have enough of each to supply their own demands. Meteorite iron and native or imported iron ore is Hattusa's greatest asset because they have the means by which to heat and forge iron. This is a unique ability across the Orient and civilised world and places Hattusa in a position of great power and jealousy.
Timber Timber and hardwood is limited in Hattusa. There is enough to support their society in a pinch, but Hattusa turns to Assyria and the more forested lands of the fertile crescent for imported hardwood. Elm and maple can supply for crafts and homewares but when posts are needed for building construction, harder materials are necessary and must be sought from elsewhere.
Vegetables General foodstuffs grow well in Hattusa. As wet soil is limited, rootvegetables are not common, but chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and fruits provide the vitamins and minerals they might otherwise lack. Figs, apricaots, cherries, almonds, hazelnuts, lemons, oranges and bergamots all grow well in Hattusa's varied climate.
Meat Commonly eaten domesticated meat in Hattusa includes: mutton, pork, venison and pheasant. In higher-class circles, birds like doves and starlings are also hunted and prepared for dining. Beef is more common on the western coast of the empire, where the Arzawan territories cultivate the zepu humped cow. Otherwise cows are not domesticated in Hattusa. Fish is also supremely common in cities near the coast such as Kizzuwatna, Nerik and Arzawa, but reserved for the wealthy in the capital.
Read more about internationally traded goods in the International Trade section on the Lands Overview page.
Read more about home cooking and potential recipes in the Food and Cuisine section of Hattusa's Social page.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.