119 Years of Excavations at Hattusa: New Discoveries in the Mysterious Area Between the Great Temple and Palace

In Boğazkale, Çorum Province, the ancient capital of the Hittites, Hattusa, has entered its 119th season of excavation. Led by Professor Dr. Andreas Schachner, the archaeological team is conducting in-depth research between the Great Temple and the palace, aiming to uncover new insights into the Hittite civilization’s different periods and their cultural heritage.

A Century-Long Archaeological Endeavor
“The excavations here have been ongoing since 1906, totaling 119 years of research,” said Prof. Dr. Schachner, who is now leading his 20th season. “This year, we are focusing on the northwest slope of the Great Citadel, between the second and third terraces. Our goal is to understand how this area developed over time and what functions it served between the temple and palace.”

A Diverse Team Working in Harmony
The excavation team consists of around 90 experts, including architects, geologists, archaeologists, historians, philologists, botanists, and anthropologists. “This interdisciplinary approach allows us to analyze not only the architecture but also the environmental and cultural context of the site,” Schachner emphasized.

Exploration of Uncharted Areas
Prof. Schachner also noted ongoing work in lesser-known parts of the Great Palace and a small cave beneath Ambarlı Rock. “Starting tomorrow, we will begin excavations on the western slope as well. These areas hold great potential for new discoveries,” he explained.

Insights Into Multiple Historical Periods
“This year, our main objective is to complete excavations in a structure dating to the Galatian period located just behind us,” said Schachner. “Additionally, we are intensifying our research on the upper layers of the Great Citadel to reveal more about the Hittite and Iron Age periods.”

Cover Image Credit: Aerial view of the Hattusa archaeological site. IHA