Lion Gate, Hattusa

Abstract

The Lion Gate in the south-west of Hattusa. At Hattuša, the capital city of Hittites (today in the Çorum Province, Turkey) from their beginning in the 17th century BC until the collapse of the empire in early 12th century BC. By the 12th century the city came to cover an area of 182 hectars, surrounded by a 3.3 km long defensive wall. The Aslanlı Kapı (Lion Gate) with two stone lions were believed to protect the city from evil spirits. The Lion Gate was one of the six defensive walls of the city. Besides natural outcrops that were turned out to the part of the walls, massive ramparts were made to create artificial fortresses.Black & white photograph