The Hatti were an aboriginal people in central Anatolia (present-day Turkey) who first appeared in the area around the River Kizil Irmak. The prevailing understanding is that they were native to the land although it has been suggested they migrated to the area sometime prior to 2400 BCE. The region was known as `Land of the Hatti' from c. 2350 BCE until 630 BCE, attesting to the influence of the Hattian culture there. They spoke a language called Hattic and did not seem to have a written language of their own, using cuneiform script for trade dealings. As the region was heavily forested, the Hatti built their homes of wood and made their living through trade of timber, ceramics, and other resources. Their religion focused on the worship of a Mother Goddess who ensured their crops would grow and their livestock remain healthy. They kept domesticated animals and made clothing and blankets from sheep's wool. As an agrarian society, they also domesticated the fields and planted grains which they primarily lived on but also supplemented their diet through hunting. Since their religion was based on the concept that everything in nature was sacred and possessed a divine spirit, however, it does not seem that hunting for meat was a common practice and may have only been engaged in for specific festivals involving royalty.
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Definition
Timeline
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2700 BCEHatti people establish trade with the city of Sumer.
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2500 BCEThe city of Hattusa is established as Hattic capital of surrounding city-states.
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c. 2320 BCESargon of Akkad invades the Hattic region, fails to take Hattusa.
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c. 2200 BCEThe Hattic King Pamba repulses the campaigns of Sargon's grandson, the Akkadian King Naram-Suen.
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c. 2200 BCEArt flourishes in the Hattic city states.
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c. 2000 BCEThe culture of the Hatti reaches its height.
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c. 1700 BCEThe Hittites invade the region of the Hatti and begin a systematic campaign against them. The great city of Hattusa is sacked and destroyed.
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1650 BCEUnder the Hittite Warrior-King Hattusili, campaigns are carried to completion subjugating the Hatti. Hattusa is re-built as the Hittite capital. The Hatti are assimilated into the Hittite culture.