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Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma
Award-winning exploration of the lost empire that rivaled ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Winner of the Outstanding Creator Award for Best Nonfiction Book 2025, First Place in Educational & Reference, and Best Research.
For centuries, the Hittites slipped into near oblivion, until archaeologists pieced together their astonishing legacy from ruins and clay tablets.
Drawing on decades of research, archaeologist R. Jay Driskill brings this enigmatic civilization vividly to life. From their sudden rise in the early second millennium BCE to their collapse around 1180 BCE, the Hittites reshaped the ancient Near East with innovations in law, diplomacy, and the art of war.
Blending the latest archaeological discoveries with translations of cuneiform texts, Driskill reveals the inner workings of Hittite society, its Indo-European language, its religion, and its people's daily struggles and triumphs. Both accessible and deeply researched, this book offers a compelling portrait of a forgotten empire whose influence still echoes across history.
R Jay Driskill brings his unique blend of journalistic storytelling and archaeological expertise to this compelling exploration of the Hittite world.
For centuries, the Hittites slipped into near oblivion, until archaeologists pieced together their astonishing legacy from ruins and clay tablets.
Drawing on decades of research, archaeologist R. Jay Driskill brings this enigmatic civilization vividly to life. From their sudden rise in the early second millennium BCE to their collapse around 1180 BCE, the Hittites reshaped the ancient Near East with innovations in law, diplomacy, and the art of war.
Blending the latest archaeological discoveries with translations of cuneiform texts, Driskill reveals the inner workings of Hittite society, its Indo-European language, its religion, and its people's daily struggles and triumphs. Both accessible and deeply researched, this book offers a compelling portrait of a forgotten empire whose influence still echoes across history.
R Jay Driskill brings his unique blend of journalistic storytelling and archaeological expertise to this compelling exploration of the Hittite world.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
13 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
R. Jay Driskill
6 books17 followersR Jay Driskill brings a unique blend of journalistic storytelling and archaeological expertise to his exploration of ancient civilizations. A University of Florida graduate and Army veteran, he spent two decades in the newspaper business, honing his research skills and ability to make complex subjects accessible to broad audiences. This foundation proved invaluable when he pivoted to pursue his lifelong passion for archaeology and anthropology.
As both an archaeologist and anthropologist, Driskill specializes in Bronze Age civilizations, with particular expertise in the mysterious collapse that ended this pivotal period in human history. His academic rigor, combined with his journalist's eye for compelling narrative, allows him to bridge the gap between scholarly research and engaging popular history.
His four-book "Sunset in Bronze" series represents years of meticulous research into some of archaeology's most enduring mysteries. "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma" and "Raiders of the Bronze Age Collapse: The Sea Peoples in Legend, History, and Archaeology" launch the series, followed by "Ghosts of Arzawa: Beyond the Trojan War Myth" and "Song of a Lost City: Troy in Myth, Fiction, and Fact." Each volume combines cutting-edge archaeological evidence with historical analysis to shed new light on civilizations that shaped our world.
When not excavating the mysteries of the ancient world, Driskill enjoys time with his children and grandchildren at his Alabama home, where he's also developing works of fiction that draw upon his deep knowledge of the ancient world.
As both an archaeologist and anthropologist, Driskill specializes in Bronze Age civilizations, with particular expertise in the mysterious collapse that ended this pivotal period in human history. His academic rigor, combined with his journalist's eye for compelling narrative, allows him to bridge the gap between scholarly research and engaging popular history.
His four-book "Sunset in Bronze" series represents years of meticulous research into some of archaeology's most enduring mysteries. "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma" and "Raiders of the Bronze Age Collapse: The Sea Peoples in Legend, History, and Archaeology" launch the series, followed by "Ghosts of Arzawa: Beyond the Trojan War Myth" and "Song of a Lost City: Troy in Myth, Fiction, and Fact." Each volume combines cutting-edge archaeological evidence with historical analysis to shed new light on civilizations that shaped our world.
When not excavating the mysteries of the ancient world, Driskill enjoys time with his children and grandchildren at his Alabama home, where he's also developing works of fiction that draw upon his deep knowledge of the ancient world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 9, 2025
There are only a few books I have been excited about this year and this is one of them. This is an excellent exploration of the culture, politics and what we have discovered about the Hittites and also, not discovered. Written in an engaging way. Subject is incredible. Highly recommend.
September 23, 2025
The civilisation of the Hittites, who flourished 1650-1180 BCE in Anatolia, has been shrouded in mystery. Archaeologist Archibald Henry Sayce in 1872 was the first to recognise that the Anatolian carvings on stone represented a distinct, hitherto forgotten culture.
During the following centuries there have been a number of illuminating archaeological discoveries, notably the decipherment of their early Indo-European language Luwian, which had its breakthough with the discovery in 1946 of the ‘Hittite Rosetta Stone’, the 8th century BCE Karatepe bilingual inscription.
Hittite studies have been complemented by the Amarna letters from Egypt, Ugaritic archives from Syria and Mycenaean Linear B tablets.
Archaeologist Driskill outlines what we know about the Bronze Age superpower, from their origins in Anatolia 2300-2000 BCE [debated] to the zenith of their power in the 13th century BCE to their collapse during the Sea Peoples period. Suppiluliuma II (ca. 1207-1180 BCE) was the last documented Hittite king, but the capital Hattuša, intriguingly, was abandoned not destroyed.
They called their own language Nesili and themselves ‘people of the land of Hatti’, after the non-Indo-European non-Semitic Hattians, whom they had either assimilated or conquered and whose double-headed eagle symbol and chief deities they adopted. Some of the prayers and rituals were conducted in Hattian. Onomastic (placenames) evidence points to a bilingual culture, with borrowing from Sumerian and Akkadian. ‘Hittite cultural development was one of creative synthesis rather than… separation.’ With distinct cultural boundaries (gods were localised) but with extensive borrowing.
The Hittite Law Code 1650-1500 BCE, as compared to its harsher contemporary Code of Hammurabi, stressed compensation rather than ‘eye for an eye’ punishment. Their pragmatic and accommodating approach to statecraft and diplomacy established precedents across the ancient world. They played a pioneering role in the development of iron (which they called ‘black metal’) metallurgy.
It charts the history century by century—dry, academic stuff, kings and dates and footnotes, but if you want to learn about the Hittites, it does the business in a cogent style. It goes through it all, language, kingly succession, governmental structures, religious pantheon, trade, agricultural practices and cultural and artistic trends.
I love how each chapter, representing a particular period, is illustrated by a choice artefact. They are in colour, but I wish the photos were a bit larger, and I would like to have read a description of the object, where it was found etc.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
During the following centuries there have been a number of illuminating archaeological discoveries, notably the decipherment of their early Indo-European language Luwian, which had its breakthough with the discovery in 1946 of the ‘Hittite Rosetta Stone’, the 8th century BCE Karatepe bilingual inscription.
Hittite studies have been complemented by the Amarna letters from Egypt, Ugaritic archives from Syria and Mycenaean Linear B tablets.
Archaeologist Driskill outlines what we know about the Bronze Age superpower, from their origins in Anatolia 2300-2000 BCE [debated] to the zenith of their power in the 13th century BCE to their collapse during the Sea Peoples period. Suppiluliuma II (ca. 1207-1180 BCE) was the last documented Hittite king, but the capital Hattuša, intriguingly, was abandoned not destroyed.
They called their own language Nesili and themselves ‘people of the land of Hatti’, after the non-Indo-European non-Semitic Hattians, whom they had either assimilated or conquered and whose double-headed eagle symbol and chief deities they adopted. Some of the prayers and rituals were conducted in Hattian. Onomastic (placenames) evidence points to a bilingual culture, with borrowing from Sumerian and Akkadian. ‘Hittite cultural development was one of creative synthesis rather than… separation.’ With distinct cultural boundaries (gods were localised) but with extensive borrowing.
The Hittite Law Code 1650-1500 BCE, as compared to its harsher contemporary Code of Hammurabi, stressed compensation rather than ‘eye for an eye’ punishment. Their pragmatic and accommodating approach to statecraft and diplomacy established precedents across the ancient world. They played a pioneering role in the development of iron (which they called ‘black metal’) metallurgy.
It charts the history century by century—dry, academic stuff, kings and dates and footnotes, but if you want to learn about the Hittites, it does the business in a cogent style. It goes through it all, language, kingly succession, governmental structures, religious pantheon, trade, agricultural practices and cultural and artistic trends.
I love how each chapter, representing a particular period, is illustrated by a choice artefact. They are in colour, but I wish the photos were a bit larger, and I would like to have read a description of the object, where it was found etc.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
KINGS OF STONE: THE HITTITE ENIGMA makes old Hittite history feel fresh, not like some dry lecture. Driskill walks you through their start in Anatolia, up to the big 13th-century push with kings like Suppiluliuma I and Hattusili III running the show. He shows how Nesili folks mixed with Hattian ways—storm gods everywhere, that double-headed eagle thing, laws that went for fixes instead of Hammurabi's payback style. Their deals and early iron work made them real trouble for Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria, stretching from the sea to the river.
Hattusa comes alive in here, buzzing with scribes, priests, and traders—you can almost hear it. Color pics of stuff from digs and bits pulled straight from tablets make each part pop, though the photos could be bigger. He ties in letters from Amarna and that Karatepe find while covering faith, farms, art, family fights, and daily stuff across the land. If you liked 1177 B.C., this has that same smart flow. Driskill's dig experience and writing background keep it moving without getting stuffy.
Sure, names hit you fast and might trip up beginners. Out-in-the-country life or expert arguments get short shrift next to king drama, and some spots lean too schoolbook. No big deal, though. KINGS OF STONE: THE HITTITE ENIGMA gives a solid, fun look at these guys right to the end with Sea Peoples and Hattusa going quiet. 4 out of 5 stars.
Hattusa comes alive in here, buzzing with scribes, priests, and traders—you can almost hear it. Color pics of stuff from digs and bits pulled straight from tablets make each part pop, though the photos could be bigger. He ties in letters from Amarna and that Karatepe find while covering faith, farms, art, family fights, and daily stuff across the land. If you liked 1177 B.C., this has that same smart flow. Driskill's dig experience and writing background keep it moving without getting stuffy.
Sure, names hit you fast and might trip up beginners. Out-in-the-country life or expert arguments get short shrift next to king drama, and some spots lean too schoolbook. No big deal, though. KINGS OF STONE: THE HITTITE ENIGMA gives a solid, fun look at these guys right to the end with Sea Peoples and Hattusa going quiet. 4 out of 5 stars.
December 6, 2025
This book masterfully unpacks the Hittite empire's complex history, with vivid illustration of its ebbs and flows. The Telepinu proclamation's haunting words, "Behold, this is what the shedding of blood does", set the tone for an in-detail researched exploration of the empire's social, economic, political, and religious overview.
The author's impressive blend of diverse sources weaves a captivating narrative, while his humility in acknowledging the limitations of these sources only adds to the narrative's strength. The extensive evidence presented sets the author's reliability up high, providing a richly detailed picture of the Hittite empire. Interrelationships between the Hittite empire and other great powers, like Egypt, offers fascinating insights into the diplomatic maneuverings and consequences of ancient geopolitics. Intermarriages, between royal families, for example, had significant strategic implications.
Themes of resilience, loyalty, and the consequences of them lacking are knowledgeably woven throughout the narrative, revealing the Hittite empire's remarkable capacity for survival, recreation and later demise. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history, offering a subtle understanding of the Hittite empire's legacy and influence in the early iron age.
The author's impressive blend of diverse sources weaves a captivating narrative, while his humility in acknowledging the limitations of these sources only adds to the narrative's strength. The extensive evidence presented sets the author's reliability up high, providing a richly detailed picture of the Hittite empire. Interrelationships between the Hittite empire and other great powers, like Egypt, offers fascinating insights into the diplomatic maneuverings and consequences of ancient geopolitics. Intermarriages, between royal families, for example, had significant strategic implications.
Themes of resilience, loyalty, and the consequences of them lacking are knowledgeably woven throughout the narrative, revealing the Hittite empire's remarkable capacity for survival, recreation and later demise. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history, offering a subtle understanding of the Hittite empire's legacy and influence in the early iron age.
December 13, 2025
In his book, The Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma, R. Jay Driskell investigates the existence of the ancient Hittites who appear in the biblical text and then seem to be lost to history. He examines the timeline of their civilization in ancient Turkey, before introducing various aspects of their culture which were incredibly advanced for their time. Finally, he illustrates how the Hittites influenced the people around them through relationship and reason. Thus, demonstrating that these people had inestimable value when they lived as well as today.
The Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma is an interesting historical foray into one of the most fascinating kingdoms. Driskell paints a vivid picture of a thriving ancient civilization using archeology, cuneiform, and detailed historical research. It also testifies to the veracity of the biblical record which has been under fire from various quarters. The intriguing narrative presents a complex people who built a society and forged relationships with the civilizations around them. There are various places in the book that the story gets dense and dry. However, The Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma is an eye-opening edition of scholarship that shouldn’t be ignored
The Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma is an interesting historical foray into one of the most fascinating kingdoms. Driskell paints a vivid picture of a thriving ancient civilization using archeology, cuneiform, and detailed historical research. It also testifies to the veracity of the biblical record which has been under fire from various quarters. The intriguing narrative presents a complex people who built a society and forged relationships with the civilizations around them. There are various places in the book that the story gets dense and dry. However, The Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma is an eye-opening edition of scholarship that shouldn’t be ignored
September 2, 2025
Kings of Stone masterfully resurrects the ancient Hittite civilization—once overshadowed by Egypt and Mesopotamia—into vivid, accessible narrative grounded in rigorous archaeology and philology. R. Jay Driskill distills decades of research into a compelling journey from their rise under kings like Suppiluliuma I to their dramatic collapse amid the chaos of the “Sea Peoples” era .
What made this book stand out for me is Driskill’s ability to blend scholarly precision with storytelling flair. You’ll walk through the streets of Hattusa, unravel diplomatic strategies, explore cuneiform texts, and feel the weight of history through vivid, grounded prose  .
If you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations, military strategy, or the mysteries of the Bronze Age, Kings of Stone is absolutely unmissable—a fresh, authoritative, and deeply engaging dive into a long-lost power. Highly recommended!
What made this book stand out for me is Driskill’s ability to blend scholarly precision with storytelling flair. You’ll walk through the streets of Hattusa, unravel diplomatic strategies, explore cuneiform texts, and feel the weight of history through vivid, grounded prose  .
If you’re fascinated by ancient civilizations, military strategy, or the mysteries of the Bronze Age, Kings of Stone is absolutely unmissable—a fresh, authoritative, and deeply engaging dive into a long-lost power. Highly recommended!
September 10, 2025
Kings of Stone” is an absolute gem for anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations. R. Jay Driskill does a masterful job of resurrecting the world of the Hittites—a people often overshadowed by their more famous neighbors, yet equally influential.
Blending meticulous archaeological research with engaging storytelling, Driskill peels back the layers of mystery surrounding this long-forgotten empire. From the politics of kingship to cuneiform diplomacy and religious rituals, every chapter delivers fascinating insights in language that’s both accessible and scholarly.
What really stood out to me was how Driskill weaves in actual translations from clay tablets—it makes the ancient world feel tangible and personal. If you loved Guns, Germs, and Steel or 1177 B.C., this book deserves a spot on your shelf.
Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or just someone who enjoys learning about ancient cultures, this is a captivating and enlightening read. Highly recommend
Blending meticulous archaeological research with engaging storytelling, Driskill peels back the layers of mystery surrounding this long-forgotten empire. From the politics of kingship to cuneiform diplomacy and religious rituals, every chapter delivers fascinating insights in language that’s both accessible and scholarly.
What really stood out to me was how Driskill weaves in actual translations from clay tablets—it makes the ancient world feel tangible and personal. If you loved Guns, Germs, and Steel or 1177 B.C., this book deserves a spot on your shelf.
Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or just someone who enjoys learning about ancient cultures, this is a captivating and enlightening read. Highly recommend
December 12, 2025
KINGS OF STONE is a must read for history buffs who enjoy exploring ancient civilisations, especially those not widely known outside of academics.
Driskill dives into the story of the Hittite people, piecing together their legacy through archaeological digs, records and his own research into the lives of these people. The book is a riveting read and very accessible to those without a history degree. Readers will find themselves captivated by a rich and engaging narrative that will keep those pages turning well into the night.
Each chapter is heralded by the photograph of an artifact, peaking the reader’s interest into what follows. However, some readers may find these hard to see as they are quite small. The preference would be for something bigger so that readers could study each one before they continued the chapter.
Overall, this was a fantastic read which will stimulate those readers who enjoy learning more about ancient history.
Driskill dives into the story of the Hittite people, piecing together their legacy through archaeological digs, records and his own research into the lives of these people. The book is a riveting read and very accessible to those without a history degree. Readers will find themselves captivated by a rich and engaging narrative that will keep those pages turning well into the night.
Each chapter is heralded by the photograph of an artifact, peaking the reader’s interest into what follows. However, some readers may find these hard to see as they are quite small. The preference would be for something bigger so that readers could study each one before they continued the chapter.
Overall, this was a fantastic read which will stimulate those readers who enjoy learning more about ancient history.
August 30, 2025
Good history book
Kings of Stone is about Hittite, an ancient empire Near East which is modern Turkey. According to this book, the Hittite Empire, which flourished in Anatolia from 1650 to 1180 BCE, extended from the Aegean Sea to the Euphrates River, remained largely a biblical footnote in the Old Testament.
This book present the current state of Hittite studies, with archaeological evidence to construct a comprehensive picture of this nation from the rise, flourishing, and the ultimate collapse of the Hittite state, examining its political institutions, religious practice, artistic achievement, and their role in the development of ancient civilizations and their impact on subsequent cultures.
Kings of Stone is about Hittite, an ancient empire Near East which is modern Turkey. According to this book, the Hittite Empire, which flourished in Anatolia from 1650 to 1180 BCE, extended from the Aegean Sea to the Euphrates River, remained largely a biblical footnote in the Old Testament.
This book present the current state of Hittite studies, with archaeological evidence to construct a comprehensive picture of this nation from the rise, flourishing, and the ultimate collapse of the Hittite state, examining its political institutions, religious practice, artistic achievement, and their role in the development of ancient civilizations and their impact on subsequent cultures.
December 7, 2025
R. Jay Driskill's Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma is a fantastic, unforgettable exploration of the ancient history of the Hittite empire.
The lost and forgotten Hittites were once a strong empire on par with the Egyptians and Babylonians, and the author has done them justice. The world of the Hittites is brought to life for readers through powerful and engaging storytelling. The day-to-day of the Hittite culture are recounted in detail, along with its gods, kings, laws, war strategies, and language.
The author thoroughly researched the topic in great detail. The reading experience is enhanced by colored illustrations. The book is a part of the Sunset in Bronze series. I'd love to read the other parts as well because I'm a huge fan of ancient history.
The lost and forgotten Hittites were once a strong empire on par with the Egyptians and Babylonians, and the author has done them justice. The world of the Hittites is brought to life for readers through powerful and engaging storytelling. The day-to-day of the Hittite culture are recounted in detail, along with its gods, kings, laws, war strategies, and language.
The author thoroughly researched the topic in great detail. The reading experience is enhanced by colored illustrations. The book is a part of the Sunset in Bronze series. I'd love to read the other parts as well because I'm a huge fan of ancient history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
Kings of Stone is an illuminating and richly detailed journey into the long-overlooked world of the Hittites. R. Jay Driskill masterfully blends archaeological evidence, cuneiform translations, and engaging storytelling to revive an empire that once rivaled Egypt and Babylonia. His exploration of Hittite law, diplomacy, religion, and daily life offers a vivid portrait of a civilization both innovative and deeply human. While the depth of research may feel dense at times, the narrative remains accessible and compelling throughout. This is a rewarding read for history lovers eager to uncover the fascinating legacy of a forgotten ancient powerhouse.
November 2, 2025
This is a fascinating history book on the Hittites. The author does an incredible job hitting that perfect balance: it's well-written and thorough, but it never gets bogged down in the weeds like so many history books do.
It also doesn't just skim the surface. The author covers everything you want and need to know about this lost empire, and his engaging style keeps the information entertaining. He delivers a comprehensive history without wasting your time on unnecessary details. A truly fascinating read for anyone interested in the ancient world.
It also doesn't just skim the surface. The author covers everything you want and need to know about this lost empire, and his engaging style keeps the information entertaining. He delivers a comprehensive history without wasting your time on unnecessary details. A truly fascinating read for anyone interested in the ancient world.
December 1, 2025
Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma is a meticulously researched piece about a little-known near-eastern civilization. Author R Jay Driskill went into great detail throughout this book, even noting that scholars lack a consensus on when the first migrants settled in Anatolia. I was most impressed by the details surrounding Anitta, the Hittite king who rapidly expanded their territory.
All in all, Kings of Stone is a very well-researched book that highlights a civilization which brought several advancements to our world. I would recommend this book for students or history buffs.
All in all, Kings of Stone is a very well-researched book that highlights a civilization which brought several advancements to our world. I would recommend this book for students or history buffs.
December 4, 2025
R Jay Driskill’s Kings of Stone is a detailed and well-researched study of the Hittite’s- an ancient civilization which centered around modern-day Turkey.
This book is less like an entertainment piece and more of an educational research paper or textbook. It’s written with very matter-of-fact language. However, it is also very detailed, covering every facet of the Hittite Empire, from the origins of their language and culture to their evolutions and contributions to technology and warfare. It’s a perfect book for students looking to learn more about this little-known civilization.
This book is less like an entertainment piece and more of an educational research paper or textbook. It’s written with very matter-of-fact language. However, it is also very detailed, covering every facet of the Hittite Empire, from the origins of their language and culture to their evolutions and contributions to technology and warfare. It’s a perfect book for students looking to learn more about this little-known civilization.
December 4, 2025
R Jay Driskill thoroughly researched this book before writing it. Using archeological records and what few Hittite text remain, he pieced together a history of the civilization. The result is a book as comprehensive as a research paper or history record. R Jay Driskill touched on all facets of the Hittite Civilization, and he does so with a mix of factual analysis and expert storytelling. At times, the book read like a story book. At other times, it read like a research piece. This makes Kings of Stone fitting both in and outside the classroom.
August 20, 2025
Engaging and Accessible
I am a fan of epic fantasy and this book definitely nails the world building aspect .. but it’s real! The political tension between Suppiluliuma and Hattusilli is truly an epic clash as both powerful families compete with military tech and complex diplomacy. I particularly love the archaeological findings in this book. The experts’ way of uncovering their secrets is really interesting making this book engaging and accessible.
I am a fan of epic fantasy and this book definitely nails the world building aspect .. but it’s real! The political tension between Suppiluliuma and Hattusilli is truly an epic clash as both powerful families compete with military tech and complex diplomacy. I particularly love the archaeological findings in this book. The experts’ way of uncovering their secrets is really interesting making this book engaging and accessible.
August 24, 2025
A Captivating Journey into a Lost Empire
In "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma," R. Jay Driskill masterfully resurrects one of history's most fascinating and often overlooked civilizations. Drawing on decades of archaeological and philological breakthroughs, Driskill presents a comprehensive and accessible history of the Hittite Empire, a power that once stood on equal footing with ancient Egypt and Babylonia.
In "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma," R. Jay Driskill masterfully resurrects one of history's most fascinating and often overlooked civilizations. Drawing on decades of archaeological and philological breakthroughs, Driskill presents a comprehensive and accessible history of the Hittite Empire, a power that once stood on equal footing with ancient Egypt and Babylonia.
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September 7, 2025This book opened my eyes to the Hittites, a civilization I barely knew anything about. I really liked how the author blended archaeology, myth, and history to bring their world to life. The descriptions of their politics and culture were fascinating. That said, the writing style can get a little dense at times, and I found myself rereading certain sections to keep track of the details. Still, it’s a rewarding read if you enjoy ancient history and want to dig into a less-talked-about empire.
October 18, 2025
Kings of Stone is a brilliant deep dive into one of history’s most fascinating but overlooked civilizations. R. Jay Driskill brings the Hittite Empire to life with a perfect blend of solid research and engaging storytelling. I especially loved the inclusion of real translations from ancient tablets—it makes the past feel vivid and alive. A must-read for anyone who enjoys uncovering the mysteries of ancient history.
August 25, 2025
Wow, this book is awesome! I gave it 5 stars because it’s so easy to read and packed with cool stuff about the Hittites. I never knew much about them, but Driskill makes their history come alive. From their epic battles to their laws and daily life, it’s all super interesting. I couldn’t put it down! If you like ancient history, you gotta read this. Thanks, Driskill!
October 14, 2025
In "Kings of Stone: The Hittite Enigma," R. Jay Driskill masterfully resurrects one of history's most fascinating and often overlooked civilizations. Drawing on decades of archaeological and philological breakthroughs, Driskill presents a comprehensive and accessible history of the Hittite Empire, a power that once stood on equal footing with ancient Egypt and Babylonia.
October 30, 2025
an extraordinary deep dive into one of history’s greatest mysteries. R. Jay Driskill blends archaeology, ancient texts, and modern research to bring the Sea Peoples and the fall of the Bronze Age to vivid life. Richly detailed yet highly readable, it’s a must-read for history lovers and anyone intrigued by the rise and fall of civilizations.
December 1, 2025
I found this book so mind blowing i had no clue about the history of Hittites but i have learnt alot from a topic i had no idea even existed. From medical history and different cultural traditions and even language. This story explains everything so well and it takes you on a historic journey that i find so interesting learning.
December 12, 2025
R Jay Driskill’s Kings of Stone is a thoroughly researched look at the Hittite Empire. Driskill uses a mix of entertaining storytelling and hard factual research to make a book that can be a textbook or a research paper. It’s a surprisingly detailed examination of the empire, from its founding, to its culture, technological advancements, and even its most influential leaders.
December 14, 2025
Driskill’s Kings of Stone brilliantly resurrects the forgotten Hittite Empire. Blending deep archaeological and philological research, he transforms dry history into a gripping narrative of power and rivalry against Egypt and Babylon. Comprehensive yet accessible, this book finally gives the Hittites the spotlight they deserve. A fascinating, authoritative read for any history lover.
August 14, 2025
Never judge a book by it's cover. The content is amazing and well thought out great research. R. Jay Driskill did such a fantastic job taking a complex and, what many people would say, boring subject (history) and making it enjoyable.
September 19, 2025
This is an excellent starter book on the history, rise, and fall of the Hittites. Easy to follow and filled with information. I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2025
A fascinating and well-researched journey into the world of the Hittites. Driskill’s storytelling blends archaeology, history, and vivid detail, making an ancient empire come alive on the page. Both educational and engaging, this book is perfect for history lovers and curious minds alike.
October 8, 2025
An engaging and well-researched historical read! The author masterfully brings ancient civilizations to life, combining archaeological insight with gripping storytelling that keeps you fascinated from start to finish.
August 12, 2025
A well-researched, engaging history that makes the Hittite Empire vivid and accessible. Perfect for anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews