= Government = (6)

Explore the Hittite government in Age of Empires IV, from the early constitutional monarchy and pankus assembly to the Great King and vassal states.

Some researchers believe that the early Hittite government was the first constitutional monarchy. The pankus, which was probably an assembly of noblemen, monitored the king's activities in relation to their laws and probably had the power to remove and install kings as needed. Because there was no law of succession until circa 1500 BC, the death of a king prior to then often triggered a struggle for power. The authority of the pankus waned as the empire began to grow and after a law of succession was adopted.

During the empire years, the Hittite ruler was called the Great King. Each year, the rulers of vassal states brought gifts to Hattusas and pledged their loyalty. In return for military protection and favorable trading status, vassal states contributed money and troops to the empire.