The Hittite Empire was an ancient civilization that thrived in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from around 1600 to 1178 BCE. Known for their advanced society, the Hittites developed a unique language, Hittite, which is one of the earliest known Indo-European languages. They were skilled in metallurgy and agriculture, and their society was organized into city-states governed by kings. Hittite culture was heavily influenced by neighboring civilizations, including the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. They practiced polytheism, worshipping a pantheon of gods, and built impressive temples and palaces. The Hittites are also known for their legal codes and treaties, which reflect their sophisticated approach to governance and diplomacy.