The Hittites established their bronze age capital at Hattusa near present day Bogazkale, east of Ankara. Only the stone walls remain. Dwellings and public buildings were constructed mainly of adobe mud brick, and wood, anchored to the stone foundation walls often into drilled holes in the rock. The Hittites were here between 1750 and 1200 BC, when the city of about 50,000 inhabitants was destroyed for the last time:
"Although Hattusa became the capital of one of the greatest Near Eastern empires, the city was almost completely destroyed several times. One critical episode came early in the 14th century (B.C.), when enemy forces launched a series of massive attacks upon the Hittite homeland, crossing its borders from all directions. The attackers included Arzawan forces from the west and south, Kaskan mountain tribes from the north, and Isuwan forces from across the Euphrates in the east. The Hittite king Tudhaliya III (c. 1360?-1350 B.C.) had no choice but to abandon his capital to the enemy. Tudhaliya probably went into exile in the eastern city of Samuha (according to his grandson and biographer, Mursili II, Tudhalia used Samuha as his base of operations for reconquering lost territories). Hattusa was destroyed, and the Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep III (1390–1352 B.C.) declared, in a letter tablet found at Tell el-Amarna, in Egypt, that “The Land of Hatti is finished!”" Source: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/the-last-days-of-hattusa/
Throughout the city remain several imposing stone gates such as this one. Possibly South Gate? Some are decorated with statues of lions, kings and sphinxes.
Critiques | Translate
snunney (89138) 2014-07-24 2:45
A fine symmetrical ruins with the view through the gap of that rather delightful sky making an excellent focal point. Ideally exposed with excellent colours and sharpness. Thanks also for the interesting note.
SnapRJW (31625) 2014-07-24 2:59
Hello Chris - This is a truly fascinating shot. My knowledge of the Hittites is limited to a few passages from the Bible so to see this actual site is special. The walls and gateways look impressively strong. A most interesting note completes a very well managed and presented image.
jhm (143573) 2014-07-24 3:36
You chose a very well angle exactly the old angle but perfect that we see the look through the gate in background.
What an old construction of these big stones.
Excellent composition, nice presentation, also pleasant of colours.
Very well done, TFS.
asajernigan (21427) 2014-07-24 4:04
This is a nice symmetrical shot of these interesting ruins. The sky is great and provides a fine backdrop for the shot.
pierrefonds (59858) 2014-07-24 4:14
The length of the path is giving depth to the composition. The point of view is showing the details and the colors of the ruins. The good luminosity is giving nice tints to the colors. Have a nice day.
rasterman (329) 2014-07-24 4:27
Fantastic point of view and frame. Beautiful colors and textures, the stone texture is great. I like very much how the path cross the "arch-doors" and leads to the background sky. Congratulations on your work. TFS.
williewhistler (15451) 2014-07-24 4:35
good use of the polarising filter to bring out the colours of that lovely sky,it makes a perfect backdrop for the very impressive stone walls and arches.
Crisp and clear it`s a cracking shot.
Sergiom (66407) 2014-07-24 5:03
Le regard suit naturellement le passage entre les murs de pierres et ces arches un peu défaites par le temps.L'image est profonde et la lumière est parfaitement gérée.
timecapturer (49288) 2014-07-24 5:14
top marks for presenting something different and enticingly original. Fascinating old walls that have stood the test of time. If only we could see what they have seen eh?
Regards - B.
delpeoples (54773) 2014-07-24 5:32
Another great shot of these ruins. The sharpness is so good, it looks three dimensional. I really like the perspective you've created and the excellent textures.
Thanks for sharing, have a lovely day
danos (89943) 2014-07-24 7:39
nice the view of these stones in Hattusa with the brilliant light of the day to emhance the vivid colours as the contrast of them.
Excelelnt the well chosen POV as gives depth and perspective in the photo.
Nicou (129022) 2014-07-24 8:39
quelle entrée superbe ces ancienne pierres la forme comme un arche coupé et ce ciel en fond le rendu sur les pierres fantastique vue et captage.
Bravo et belle soirée
jjcordier (78392) 2014-07-24 22:41
Les ruines de cette porte de cette ville Hitite sont spectaculaires. Une bonne et informative photo.
seres76 (1078) 2014-07-24 23:07
Hattusa is one of the places I want to visit. I put the picture in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations on Trekearth, here are the works. Nice shot. Tfs...
ikeharel (62191) 2014-07-25 4:00
A pic. that we can imagine a boulevard in ancient era, when this place was inhabited.
Fine DOF that striking at first glance, clarity and light upon - all culminate beautifully.
Have a nice weekend,
emka (85407) 2014-07-28 13:56
Hello, in my youth I read many books about archeology and I even considered to study it (but finally I am physicist). And of course, I read about Hattusa and Hittites. Would be nice to see it :). Beautiful gate, superb presentation.
WArm regrads MAlgo
ourania (35948) 2014-08-20 10:04
I like this composition very much, amazing how you can use a centuries old structure, in ruins now, to create an attractive, almost graphical composition. You chose a superb point of view and added much dynamism. The walls, the textures, the backdrop and the colours are all excellently defined, you used light and contrast in a marvelous way. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a great evening,
- Copyright: Chris Jules (ChrisJ) (103673)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2014-06-13
- Categories: Ruins
- Camera: Nikon D 90, Polarizing Filter
- Exposure: f/7.1, 1/200 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2014-07-24 2:22