In the second millennium BCE, especially the latter half, the Hittites controlled large parts of ancient Turkey (Anatolia) and at times areas of Syria. They fought with other large empires in the region, including ancient Egypt, Assyria, and Mitanni. The most well-known example of warfare between the Hittites and one of these groups is the battle of Kadesh, which occurred in 1274 BCE against the ancient Egyptians under Ramesses II. Both the Hittites and the Egyptians proclaimed victory, as indicated in extant documents including inscriptions on Egyptian monuments and letters between the rulers of the two empires.
The Hittites were a polytheistic society, and this relief features an unnamed winged deity often known as a genius (plural genii). These protective figures appear in large-scale Hittite carvings, such as on the gates of the capital city of Hattusa, as well as in smaller works, like this example. Along with the distinctive wings, the deity wears a pointed cap and long robe with a tunic underneath. The figure, striding forward, holds a staff and possibly a hammer or axe with a curved handle. The stone may have once been set into a base, evident by the differential wear at the bottom.
