Hittitestyle

Hittitestyle refers to the artistic and architectural characteristics associated with the Hittite civilization, an Anatolian power that flourished in the Late Bronze Age (circa 1600–1178 BCE). This style is known for its monumental scale and distinctive decorative elements found in their cities, temples, and palaces. Key features include massive stone construction, often employing cyclopean masonry in fortifications. Relief carvings are a prominent aspect of Hittitestyle, frequently adorning orthostats (stone slabs lining walls) and gateways. These carvings often depict religious ceremonies, processions, battle scenes, and mythological narratives.

The iconography of Hittitestyle includes powerful deities, kings, soldiers, and mythical creatures such as griffins and sphinxes. A characteristic artistic element is the rendering of figures with a certain stiffness and formality, often shown in profile with detailed musculature and elaborate headdresses. Hittite artists also utilized bronze for weaponry and small votive figures. In architecture, horseshoe-shaped arches and monumental gateways, such as those at Hattusa, are notable. The style reflects a blend of indigenous Anatolian traditions with influences from Mesopotamia and Egypt, creating a unique visual language that characterized this ancient empire.