Hittite Texts and Greek Religion: Comparison

In the past century, our understanding of ancient Greece has been revolutionized by insights gained from the Ancient Near East, particularly in the realm of ancient religion. This transformation is especially evident when examining the religious connections between Ancient Greece and the Hittites, who dominated Turkey during the Late Bronze Age (1400-1200 BC). The cuneiform texts found in the Hittite archives offer a wealth of information on religious customs, including details on festivals, purification ceremonies, oracle consultations, prayers, and myths prevalent in the Hittite kingdom. These texts also shed light on the religious practices of neighboring Anatolian states that drew the interest of the Hittites. Interestingly, the documentation of Hittite religion surpasses that of any other ancient religious tradition in the Near East, even exceeding that of Egypt.

Moreover, historical evidence indicates that the Hittites had interactions with Mycenaean Greece, which they referred to as Ahhiyawa. This book begins by presenting the evidence and establishing a methodological framework for utilizing comparative data to explore potential instances of contact or influence between the two cultures. One such example is the examination of scapegoat rituals and the Kumarbi-Cycle. Additionally, the book delves into shared religious practices between the Hittites and Ancient Greece, such as the worship of a pantheon, rituals associated with warfare, celebratory festivals, and the offering of animal sacrifices.

By comparing these religious practices, the goal is to uncover insights that could enhance our understanding of the historical evolution of religious customs. When combined with historical records, this comparative analysis can help distinguish the unique aspects of each culture and highlight what sets them apart from one another. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our comprehension of the diverse religious traditions that have shaped the ancient world.

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