A History of Hittite Literacy: Writing and Reading in Late Bronze-Age Anatolia (1650-1200 BC)

The Anatolians remained illiterate for a long time, despite being surrounded by people using script. They eventually adopted the cuneiform writing system but still invented a second, hieroglyphic script. Hittite literature was the oldest known literature in any Indo-European language, and it played a significant role in scribal culture. This book provides a comprehensive overview of writing, reading, script usage, and literacy in the Hittite kingdom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 453 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Anatolians remained illiterate for a considerable period, despite being surrounded by people who used script. This phenomenon has been a subject of curiosity and debate among scholars. In this essay, we will explore the reasons behind the Anatolians' delayed adoption of writing and their subsequent development of the cuneiform writing system. We will also examine the reasons behind their invention of a second, hieroglyphic script and the role that Hittite literature played in their scribal culture.

The Anatolians' lack of literacy can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the Anatolian region was characterized by a diverse range of languages and dialects, making it challenging to establish a common writing system. Additionally, the Anatolians had a strong oral tradition and were highly skilled in storytelling and memorization, which often overshadowed the importance of written language.

Despite the challenges, the Anatolians eventually adopted the cuneiform writing system. The adoption of cuneiform was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the Hittites, who ruled over the Anatolian region during the late Bronze Age, introduced the cuneiform writing system to the region. The Hittites were a powerful empire that controlled a vast territory and had a sophisticated writing system. The Anatolians were impressed by the Hittites' writing system and sought to learn it to communicate with their neighbors and allies.

Secondly, the Anatolians saw the value of writing in facilitating trade and commerce. With the adoption of cuneiform, they could create written records of transactions, contracts, and other legal documents, which helped to streamline trade and promote economic growth.

Thirdly, the Anatolians were influenced by the cultural and intellectual traditions of the Mesopotamian civilization, which had a rich writing system. The Mesopotamians were known for their advanced mathematics, astronomy, and literature, and the Anatolians sought to emulate their achievements in these fields through writing.

The Anatolians' invention of a second, hieroglyphic script was a unique development in their scribal culture. Hieroglyphic script was used by the Egyptians and other ancient civilizations in the Middle East and Africa. The Anatolians developed their own hieroglyphic script to communicate with their neighbors, who did not use the cuneiform writing system.

The hieroglyphic script was used for a variety of purposes, including religious texts, administrative records, and literature. Some of the most famous works of Hittite literature were written in hieroglyphic script, including the Hittite King List, which contains the names of the Hittite kings and their reigns.

Hittite literature played a significant role in the development of scribal culture in the Anatolian region. The Hittites were known for their advanced literary skills and their prolific production of poetry, hymns, and epic tales. These works were often recorded in cuneiform and hieroglyphic script and were passed down through generations.

The Hittite King List, for example, is a valuable source of information about the political and social structure of the Hittite kingdom. It contains the names of the kings, their wives, and their children, as well as information about their conquests and alliances. The list also provides insights into the Hittite religion and its beliefs and practices.

In conclusion, the Anatolians remained illiterate for a long time, despite being surrounded by people who used script. The adoption of the cuneiform writing system was influenced by the Hittites, the value of writing in facilitating trade and commerce, and the cultural and intellectual traditions of the Mesopotamian civilization. The invention of a second, hieroglyphic script was a unique development in their scribal culture and was used for a variety of purposes, including religious texts, administrative records, and literature. Hittite literature played a significant role in the development of scribal culture in the Anatolian region, providing valuable insights into the political, economic, and intellectual history of the Hittite kingdom.

Weight: 652g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108816496
Edition number: New ed