Final answer:
Iron tools and weapons gave the Hittites an advantage in warfare and resource extraction, leading to the expansion of their empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hittites' empire was greatly expanded through their use of iron tools and weapons, giving them an advantage in warfare and resource extraction.
Iron tools allowed them to clear forests, aerate land, and create iron age farms, which led to higher productivity and population growth.
Additionally, the Hittites' adoption of iron technology played a crucial role in their connection with other civilizations and states, as they transmitted technologies and legends, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, to other cultures.