Learn about the destruction of the Hittite Empire around 1200 BC in Age of Empires IV, including the Kaskans' invasion.
Following the establishment of peace with Egypt around 1280 BC, there ensued 80 years of relative peace and prosperity for much of the civilized world. During the great catastrophe circa 1200 BC, however, the Hittite empire was suddenly destroyed. The fortifications at Hattusas (the Hittite capital) were thrown down and the city burned. Stone sculptures were smashed apart.
It is not known by whom the Hittite armies were ultimately defeated, but it is possible that their ability fell off during decades of relative peace while the growing riches of the empire made it an ever more attractive target, probably to barbarians from the west and north. The Kaskans, described as barbarians from the Russian Steppes, penetrated the empire around 1300 BC and plundered Hattusas. They may have returned to finish the job for good.
- The Kaskans may have attacked Hattusas twice, once around 1300 BC and potentially again to cause the empire's final destruction.
- The fall of the Hittite Empire occurred during a period of widespread catastrophe around 1200 BC.
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