To the Discovery of Hittite Civilization - Chapter 1

At the end of the 19th century, explorers and archaeologists set off in search of past civilizations.

In 1834, Charles Texier and later Archibald Henry Sayce explore Anatolia and unearth traces of an unknown civilization. They discovered enigmatic scenes engraved on rocks at the site of Yazılıkaya and numerous remains in the city of Hattusa. Thanks to Bedrich Hrozný's deciphering of the cuneiform tablets found at these sites, a vanished civilization was brought to light, that of the Hittites.

But who were these Hittites? What was remarkable about their civilization, what were their religions? And what relationship did they have with the other kingdoms of antiquity? These are just some of the topics that the MOOC "To the Discovery of Hittite Civilization" will introduce you to.

An international team of researchers - historians, philologists, linguists and art historians - will bring their expertise to host these sessions. The five episodes of this free online course will cover, among other topics, the languages, history and iconography of this ancient kingdom. The lessons will be combined with exercises that will enable participants to assess the knowledge they have gradually acquired on the subject.

This MOOC is part of the Ancient Languages program at Sorbonne University (ELASU). It will enable you to expand your knowledge and discover a part of history that has long been ignored.

The MOOC comprises 15 films, each 10 to 18 minutes long, spread over 5 sessions. The series was created by Alice Mouton and Isabelle Prieto, with the participation of Vincent Blanchard, Francesco Giannone, Amir Gilan, and Sylvie Vanséveren.

52 exercises spread over the 5 sessions will enable learners to test their knowledge and prepare them for the final exam (for those wishing to obtain certification).

With the support of the Laboratoire Orient et Méditerranée UMR 8167 of the CNRS and the Service Informatique pour la Pédagogie et la Recherche of Sorbonne University.

Week 1 – History of discovery (Alice MOUTON )

Week 2 – Languages and scripts of Hittite Anatolia (Sylvie VANSEVEREN )

Week 3 – History of the Hittite kingdom (Amir GILAN’s text narrated by Alice MOUTON)

Week 4 – Diplomacy and espionage (Francesco GIANNONE)

Week 5 – Hittite iconography (Vincent BLANCHARD)