This paper deals with the civilization of the Greeks and the Hittites.
It considers all aspects of the civilizations but especially what we know of law, literature and government: How do they compare? How are they different?
It lists some of the people who exemplify those characteristics of the civilization and how did they do so. Why does that person matter?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Hittite Civilization
3. The Greece Civilization
4. Hittite Kingship and Governance
5. Legal Systems and Justice
6. Language and Historical Records
7. Literature and Philosophical Contributions
8. Prominent Personalities
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper aims to perform a comparative analysis of the Hittite and Ancient Greek civilizations, focusing on their respective systems of government, legal frameworks, and contributions to literature and society. By exploring their unique historical developments and key figures, the study highlights both the commonalities and the distinctive cultural advancements that defined these two ancient powers.
- Comparative analysis of monarchical and political structures.
- Evaluation of legal systems and the application of justice.
- Development of language, writing systems, and historical preservation.
- The role of influential personalities in shaping philosophy and medicine.
- Contrast between centralized empire management and city-state governance.
Excerpt from the Book
Hittite Kingship and Governance
Hittite Kingship succession was a major challenge as there was no clear law on such an important matter drawing the attention of nobilities who were usually many with an interest of being the successor of the sitting king. It was until 1525-1500 that when King Telipinus set a clear guideline on the succession of the king when the problem was solved.
The king was the military leader, lawgiver, high priest, and the supreme judge. Although he could delegate all other duties, he was the chief commander and could not delegate this role.
The Hittite king had titles that developed over time. Initially, the king was referred to as the great king referring to the vassal king as being the minor kings. Latter, he was given the title "my Sun" indicating that he was superhuman and lastly the "Hello beloved of God" about being more of a god rather than human. At his death, the king was thought to join the spiritual world.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines the concept of ancient civilization and outlines the scope of comparing the Hittite and Greek cultures.
2. The Hittite Civilization: Describes the historical context, geographic location, and societal characteristics of the Hittite empire.
3. The Greece Civilization: Explores the evolution of Ancient Greece, focusing on its city-states (Polis) and social development.
4. Hittite Kingship and Governance: Examines the role of the Hittite king, the assembly of nobles, and the administration of conquered territories.
5. Legal Systems and Justice: Compares the Hittite use of written laws with the evolution of legal practices in Greece from revenge to established statutes.
6. Language and Historical Records: Analyzes the linguistic diversity and documentation methods, including cuneiform versus early Greek writing.
7. Literature and Philosophical Contributions: Details the advancement of Greek philosophy, literature, and the scholarly contributions of key thinkers.
8. Prominent Personalities: Profiles influential figures such as Hippocrates, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Aristotle, and their legacy.
Keywords
Hittite Civilization, Ancient Greece, Kingship, Governance, Law, Justice, Cuneiform, Polis, Philosophy, Medicine, Historical Records, Vassal States, Cultural Advancement, Monarch, Succession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper provides a comparative historical analysis of the Hittite and Ancient Greek civilizations, focusing on their governance, laws, and intellectual contributions.
Which specific areas of civilization are compared?
The study examines political institutions, legal systems, linguistic developments, literature, and the impact of prominent historical figures.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to identify similarities and differences between these two ancient civilizations regarding their societal structures and historical legacies.
What methodology is employed in this study?
The author uses a comparative historical approach, analyzing literature and established historical records to contrast the developments of the two civilizations.
What content is covered in the main body of the text?
The body covers the rise of the Hittite empire, the Greek city-state model, royal power structures, legal developments from ancient traditions to codified laws, and the intellectual achievements of philosophers and physicians.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Hittite Civilization, Ancient Greece, governance, legal systems, philosophy, cuneiform, and monarchical power.
How was the issue of royal succession handled in the Hittite empire?
Succession was initially problematic until King Telipinus established clear guidelines between 1525 and 1500 BC to regulate the transition of power.
What distinguished the Greek approach to justice compared to the Hittite approach?
While Hittite laws focused on hypothetical cases and royal consent for major punishments, Greece evolved through lawgivers like Draco and Solon toward a more judicial, court-based system involving jurors.
- Quote paper
- Doctor Alfhonce Michael (Author), 2016, Ancient Civilization of Hittite and Greece. Comparative Analysis on Government, Law Language and Characteristics of the Middle Eastern civilization, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/373284
