A History of Religions in Anatolia (eBook)

This volume is based on the German edition "Religionsgeschichte Anatoliens" (2021). It has been completely revised with the latest research literature and restructured for the English book market: Based on religious ideas and practices, this volume describes the interaction of religions with political and social institutions in Anatolia, beginning with archaeological findings from the end of the 3rd millennium BCE. The earliest written evidence for religious aspects is provided by Old Assyrian letters, before a rich written tradition begins with the emergence of the Old Hittite Empire in the 17th century. After the collapse of the Hittite Empire at the beginning of the 12th century, Neo-Hittite states utilised the older religious traditions for their claim to legitimacy, but combined them with innovations, which are presented in the final chapter.