Hittite Fortifications c.1650-700 BC (Fortress) [Paperback]

Konstantin Nossov (Author), Brian Delf (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 26, 2008 | Series: Fortress (Book 73)

In the second half of the third millennium BC the Indo-European tribe known as the Hittites migrated and settled in Central Anatolia, at that time a land of small city-states whose rulers lived in fortresses. These fortifications enabled the Hittites to transform themselves into a Bronze Age super-power defeating the Egyptians at Kadesh in c.1274 BC. Konstantin Nossov examines the fortifications constructed by the Hittites in their efforts to sustain and then halt the decline of their once flourishing empire. Providing an in-depth anatomy of the fortresses, focusing on the major sites of the principal city Hattusha as well as sites at Alacah¿y¿k and Karatepe, with full-color reconstructions, this is an intriguing glimpse into the history of an empire which at its height rivalled the Egyptians and Assyrians. It concludes with an examination of these sites as they survive today, information that will appeal to both enthusiasts and tourists visiting the area.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Although much has vanished over the millennia there’s still a surprising amount to be seen by visitors to the area, and the major sites are comprehensively described and illustrated here. The Hittites clashed with other empires as well as with nearer neighbours, and developed some intriguing fortification techniques as a result. This is a book that will fascinate students of the ancient Near East as well as wargamers. Highly recommended." -John Prigent, Internet Modeler (March 2008)

"The author examines the various features of Hittite fortifications; walls, towers, gates, posterns, and ramparts. A volume that will interest those who study ancient history or archeology offer a different perspective on the once powerful Hittites." -J.E. Kaufmann, SiteO (March 2008)

"Overall, another fine book in this series and one that should be on the shelves of anyone interested in this particular time and place in ancient history." -Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (March 2008)

About the Author

Konstantin Nossov was born in 1972 and is a graduate of Moscow State University and a researcher in ancient and medieval military history as well as author of a number of books published in Russian. He has also written a number of English-language magazine articles. The author lives in Moscow, Russia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; First Edition edition (February 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846032075
• ISBN-13: 978-1846032073
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.3 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #924,414 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Visualizations of Hittite Cities, June 12, 2011

By 

Stuart McCunn (New Haven, CT) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hittite Fortifications c.1650-700 BC (Fortress) (Paperback)

As with all Osprey books the main reason to buy them is the illustrations. These do not disappoint. This book contains detailed paintings of Hattusa, Alacahöyük, Karatepe, and Yazilikaya. It's pretty cool to see these ruins reconstructed and the artist does a fine job. The information in the book is good as well going into how the Hittites built their walls and why. It also goes into details on the main structure of the walls including the towers, ramps, ramparts, and tunnels. It then examines the fortifications of Hattusa, Alacahöyük, and Karatepe in detail. Throughout there are many photographs and diagrams. Very nice.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting info on a almost unkown people, February 3, 2010

By 

Osvaldo V. Cristo "O.Cristo" (Itapevi, SP - Brazil) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hittite Fortifications c.1650-700 BC (Fortress) (Paperback)

This interesting people had a decisive influence on all Western culture - unfortunately its role is frequently under evaluated with most people having no idea on them. This little book will bring some light on them.

Good reading, indeed.