Homepage
Aeipathy
Login  |  Register  |  Advertise
Physical Geography
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 since 1750 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.

Read more about the great expansion period in the Historical Timeline.
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 highly populated 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 Travel LatitudeFrom the far western border at the Bosphorus (now known as the Turkish or Istanbul Strait) to the borders of the Assyrian empire.

WalkingHorseback / Chariot
Single Traveller2.5 months4 weeks
Small Group3.5 months5.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy4 months7 weeks

LongitudeFrom the coastlines of the Black Sea to the eastern curve of the Mediterranean and Phoenician border.

WalkingHorseback / Chariot
Single Traveller4 weeks2 weeks
Small Group6 weeks3 weeks
Large Group / Convoy2 months4 weeks

Between CitiesHattusa has three major city hubs: Hattusa, Carchemish and Kizzuwatna.

WalkingHorseback / Chariot
Hattusa <> Carchemish
Single Traveller3 weeks10 days
Small Group5 weeks13 days
Large Group / Convoy6.5 weeks4 weeks

Hattusa <> Kizzuwatna
Single Traveller2.5 weeks8 days
Small Group4 weeks11 days
Large Group / Convoy6 weeks2 weeks

Carchemish <> Kizzuwatna
Single Traveller1.5 weeks5 days
Small Group2.5 weeks7 days
Large Group / Convoy4 weeks12 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 <> CarchemishUnnecessary
Hattusa <> KizzuwatnaUnnecessary
Carchemish <> Kizzuwatna5 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 Travel AssyriaLying 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.

WalkingHorseback / Chariot
From Hattusa
Single Traveller3.5 weeks12 days
Small Group6 weeks2.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy2 months4 weeks

From Carchemish
Single Traveller5 days2 days
Small Group7 days5 days
Large Group / Convoy13 days10 days

From Kizzuwatna
Single Traveller4 weeks12 days
Small Group6 weeks2.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy2 months5 weeks

By Sea
From HattusaUnnecessary
From CarchemishUnnecessary
From Kizzuwatna5 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 LandBy Sea
All TravellersFrom 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 LandBy Sea
All TravellersCalculate 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 LandBy 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 KizzuwatnaThe 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 LandBy Sea
All TravellersCalculate 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.

WalkingHorseback / Chariot
Single Traveller2 months4 weeks
Small Group3.5 months6 weeks
Large Group / Convoy4.5 months2 months

By Sea
All Travellers2 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 LandBy Sea
All TravellersCalculate 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.

WalkingHorseback / Chariot
To Remusi Lands
Single Traveller3.5 weeks12 days
Small Group6 weeks2.5 weeks
Large Group / Convoy2 months4 weeks

To Netuno Lands
Single Traveller2 months1 month
Small Group3.5 months6 weeks
Large Group / Convoy4.5 months2 months

To Mainland Roma
Single Traveller3 months6 weeks
Small Group5 months9 weeks
Large Group / Convoy6.5 months3 months

To Cassia Lands
Single TravellerSeafare required
Small Group
Large Group / Convoy

To Cannae's Western Lands
Single Traveller4 months2 months
Small Group7 months3 months
Large Group / Convoy9 months4 months

By Sea
To Remusi LandsAdd 2 days land travel to time it takes to reach Athenia in Hellas (above).
To Netuno LandsSail for 9 days after reaching Remusi lands.
To Mainland RomaSail for 2 days after reaching Remusi lands.
To Cassia Lands1 month. Or, sail for 7 days after reaching Roma Mainland.
To Cannae's Western Lands5 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 AsClimate / Weather
SpringThe Rainy SeasonHattusa 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.
SummerThe Dry SeasonSummers 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.
AutumnSeason of the WindThe 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.
WinterSeason of the EarthDue 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.



ExportsEverything barring maritime produce. Kanesh
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 or southern 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 Materials Fresh 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 north and 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, root vegetables 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.

Create Thread

?/? files 40 MB max per attachment
Add files...
Attachments not manually inserted in your post will be appended to the end
Aeipathy's layout was skinned exclusively by JD for Aeipathy. Our writing home has been open since June 2018. All original content © to the original staff team. Lore additions made by the community are © to Aeipathy itself. All character content © to the members. Any similarities to people or settings, fictional or real, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Please no stealing of our skin or our world. Come join us instead! Thank you to all who help make Aeipathy great!