Hittite Empire’s Enigmatic “Wish Stone” Continues to Puzzle Archaeologists

The Hattusa Green Stone, a monument believed to have religious origins

Beth Snider on the Odd News Show writes about a mysterious large green stone discovered at the Temple complex in Hattusa, the capital of the ancient Hittite Empire, standing on a raised platform and measures 215 by 140 feet (65 by 42 metres).

The Hattusa Green Stone is a roughly cubic block of nephrite standing in the remains of the Great Temple at Hattusa, capital of the Hittites in the late Bronze Age. Now on the hill above Boğazkale, in the Turkish Province of Corum, Hattusa is a World Heritage Site.

The stone’s origins and purpose remain elusive, leaving researchers puzzled about how the ancient Hittite people transported such a massive rock to the site and what significance it held in their society. The stone is referred to as the “wish stone” by locals, its rich green surface has been polished smooth over centuries by the hands of countless individuals, each hoping for their desires to be fulfilled.

Despite limited information about the stone itself, the archaeological site at Hattusa has yielded a wealth of other significant discoveries.

Among these findings are numerous cuneiform tablets providing insights into various aspects of ancient Hittite society, including laws, oracular prophecies, and literature. Notably, researchers have unearthed the earliest known peace treaty, often referred to as the Silver Treaty, between the Hittites and Egyptians, underscoring the region’s historical importance.

The green stone of Hattusa has emerged as a popular attraction for tourists seeking to make a wish, with visitors flocking to the Temple complex to touch the giant stone in hopes of their desires being granted. However, for those searching for more portable sources of mysticism, hagstones – natural rocks with a hole believed to offer glimpses into the fairy realm – remain a cherished talisman, carrying on ancient traditions of seeking magical connections.

The stone in context in 2018

> Find to read: Hittite Empire’s Enigmatic “Wish Stone” Continues to Puzzle Archaeologists

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.