The Hittite state was situated in central Asia Minor from the 17th to the 12th centuries BC.
The Hittite language, known as Hattiti, is an Indo-European language. This was confirmed after the excavation of the Hittite capital, Hattusha, which revealed a large library with texts demonstrating the Indo-European nature of the language.
Ancient Origins:
Before the Hittite state, the region was known as Hatti, inhabited by people who spoke Hattiti for thousands of years BC.
Anthropological data suggests that 10,000 years ago, Asia Minor was inhabited by the Armenoid race, from whom the Indo-Europeans and their languages originated.
Cultural Connections:
The Hittite kingdom had close ties with Greater Armenia and other Armenian kingdoms, especially Cilicia. The kings of Cilicia and the Hittite kings were often from the same dynasty, sharing goods, clothes, and weapons.
Phrygia
Historical Context:
After the fall of Troy in the 13th century BC, the region became known as Phrygia, located in northwestern Asia Minor with its capital at Gordion.
Phrygia existed from the 10th to the 8th millennium BC and continued until the 2nd to 3rd millennium BC.
Language:
The Phrygian language is a distinct branch of the Indo-European family, similar to Armenian. It is represented by inscriptions, glosses, and personal names, which can be read in Armenian.
Lydia
Geographical and Historical Significance:
Lydia was located in southeastern Asia Minor and interacted with other Armenian kingdoms such as Cilicia, the Hittite kingdom, and Troy.
Lydia was an independent state in the 7th to 6th millennium BC.
Language:
The Lydian language was also Indo-European, further highlighting the linguistic connections within the region.
The ancient Armenian presence in Asia Minor is evident through the historical and linguistic connections between the Hittite kingdom, Phrygia, and Lydia. These regions not only shared cultural and political ties with Armenian kingdoms but also contributed to the rich tapestry of Indo-European languages and civilizations.
Artatsolum
Based on an excerpt from the Book of Paris Herouni: “Armenians and Ancient Armenia”