Flora
Flowers grow well in Hattusa during the rainy season, due to the flowing
underwater springs. Their period of growth is
short and so flowers are considered special and
expensive luxuries. Local blooms include: tulips, crocuses, snowdrops, oleanders, fuchsias, hydrangeas, jasmines, wisterias and lilies. Only areas close to the
northern or southern coast have the climate to grow these plants year round.
Common herbs able to be grown across the country include rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender and juniper.
Trees and forestry account for just 25% of Hattusa’s territory. Little of this is hard wood suitable for building, so instead it is used for
botanical purposes. These species include: the olive tree, wild maple, sycamore, bay laurel, pistachio, turkish hazel, palm, lime, cypress and judas trees. These provide Hattusa’s thriving oils, nuts and medicinal trade. There is a
limited stock of oak and pine trees in Hattusa.
For more information on crops, vegetables and edible flora see the Food and Cuisine section in Hattusa's Social page.
For more on medicinal herbs and healing practices see the Medicine section of Hattusa's Science page.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
Fauna
The
mammals of Hattusa range from the common squirrels, shrews, rabbits, porcupines and field mice to bats, jackals, wildcats, wolves, hyenas, caracals, foxes and the occasional otter in wet areas. Gazelle, goats, deer and boars can also be found, both domesticated and wild. The asiatic lion, the caspian tiger and the brown bear are also present, but rare.
Attracted by Hattusa’s warm temperatures, the empire is home to many cold-blooded
reptiles and amphibians including snakes, lizards, salamanders, geckos and newts. There are rare sightings of tortoises, and turtles can be found in the Black Sea on Hattusa’s north coast.
Hattusa is home to an expansive array of
birds, including those hunted for their meat such as geese and pheasant (see below for the full list) and wilder aviary creatures including: buzzards, swifts, nightjays, coots, cranes, storks, hawks, eagles, kites, owls, falcons, kingfishers, shreeks, crows, larks, swallows, wrens and magpies. Closer to water sources are gulls, pelicans and herons. Flamingos and peacocks are sometimes kept as
pets by the wealthy.
Read more on specific birds local to this area of the world here
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
Natural Materials
Fresh Water
Despite limited rainfall, fresh water is
more or less plentiful in Hattusa, provided you are close to a
source. Advanced construction, acqueducts and collection means, provide citizens of all major cities with wells and
man-made springs from which water can be fetched. Tall,
large vases are most commonly used to fetch water, and for long journeys
wax-treated hide sacks can carry small amounts without leaking. As it is common to fetch water at the
beginning of the day, small crowds often form around wells and springs, turning a simple task into a daily, communal event. Alongside fruit juice and goat's milk, water is the most common drink in Hattusa.
Crops
Wheat and barley grow across Hattusa, but mainly towards the
north and west of the empire. Many fortified cities are
reliant on the delivery of wheat and barley, pre-ground and ready for baking use. When trade routes are compromised, these resources are usually the
first to diminish. Otherwise, most enjoy ample supply. The grain is rarely baked into loafs of fluffy bread but instead thin, soft and chewy
pita-like discs eaten as side dishes to other meals.
Ore
Metal ore is plentiful in Hattusa. While they do not have the masses of gold enjoyed by Egypt or the bronze and jewels of Hellas, Hattusa have enough of each to supply their own demands.
Meteorite iron and native or imported
iron ore is Hattusa's greatest asset because they have the means by which to heat and forge iron. This is a
unique ability across the Orient and civilised world and places Hattusa in a position of great power and jealousy.
Timber
Timber and hardwood is
limited in Hattusa. There is enough to support their society in a pinch, but Hattusa turns to Assyria and the more forested lands of the
fertile crescent for imported hardwood. Elm and maple can supply for crafts and homewares but when posts are needed for building construction, harder materials are necessary and must be sought from elsewhere.
Vegetables
General foodstuffs grow well in Hattusa. As wet soil is limited,
root vegetables are not common, but chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and fruits provide the vitamins and minerals they might otherwise lack. Figs, apricaots, cherries, almonds, hazelnuts, lemons, oranges and bergamots all grow well in Hattusa's
varied climate.
Meat
Commonly eaten domesticated meat in Hattusa includes:
mutton, pork, venison and pheasant. In higher-class circles, birds like doves and starlings are also hunted and prepared for dining. Beef is more common on the western coast of the empire, where the Arzawan territories cultivate the zepu humped cow. Otherwise cows are not domesticated in Hattusa. Fish is also supremely common in cities near the coast such as Kizzuwatna, Nerik and Arzawa, but reserved for the wealthy in the capital.
Read more about internationally traded goods in the International Trade section on the Lands Overview page.
Read more about home cooking and potential recipes in the Food and Cuisine section of Hattusa's Social page.
For a full breakdown of ingredients and foodstuffs and how they are used for cooking and / or medicine, see our Flora and Fauna database.
