than those who formed the elite class of Hittite society. In the next
three chapters, we’ll get a few glimpses into the life of the ordinary
citizen of Hittite society, and further down the scale of those who
formed its lowest class, the slaves and the compulsory migrants to
the land of Hatti, prisoners-of-war acquired by Hittite war leaders
on their campaigns abroad. What were the norms and values of the
society in which they lived? What were the rules governing their
conduct? What rights and responsibilities did they have? As we
shall see, Hittite society presents us with a few surprises, illustrated
by some of its marriage provisions. Our best source of information
on all this is a set of laws, which give us a number of important
insights into the daily lives of the people of whom Hittite society
was composed.
126 WARRIORS OF ANATOLIA