abandoned

Hattusa.

A pile of weathered rocks.

Stretching fields across towering mountains.

The Hittite capital.

I was in awe.  Each corner of the wall, each temple foundation, palace layout, the lions gate, tunnels and burials left me gazing with wonder and the remnants of a massive and advanced culture.  Umit, our archaeologist-guide, told us of how far their impact reached across Anatolian, Mesopotamian and Egyptian Cultures.  He described again the impressive underground library discovered and the systemating organization of the city that the tablets revealed.  Yet as we wandered around the city walls, I found myself fascniated by the bright orange growths on the rock, the small flowers scattered in and among foundations and the carpet of grass stretching across the ruins.  Crouched on the ground with my camera, I wanted to capture how incredible the foundations and ruins appeared, but I found the thin blades of grass and delicate petals of flowers much more intricate and profound - especially in combination with the remains of an ancient culture.  Though the flowers and leaves are easy to overlook - their system has lasted much longer than any human designed formula.  No king, emperor, band of brothers or philosopher has ever been able to create a theory or system able to withstand the powers of jealousy, hatred, revenge, greed or pride.  Nation after nation, kingdoms, empires and communities have risen and then fallen apart, yet the flowers remain.  They produce seeds and return again each season with unchanging beauty.  Its easy to look to the thinking and accomplishments of great thinkers and leaders throughout history, and yet forget to seek after the wisdom of the designer who put the most intricate details together, and they still remain.