Final answer:
The Hittites' main advantage during battles was their ability to adapt and integrate advanced technologies and tactics from the civilizations they encountered, which included bronze weaponry, composite bows, and chariots. They were able to use these in conjunction with their military strategy to achieve combat superiority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hittites were a Bronze Age civilization known for their military prowess, which gave them an advantage during battles. Their tactical superiority stemmed from several factors. The Hittites were adept at incorporating technologies and customs from the cultures they conquered or encountered. This openness to new ideas meant that they were likely to have advanced military technology at their disposal, such as superior bronze weaponry, composite bows, and chariots with spoked wheels, all of which were crucial in combat.
Furthermore, they translated and absorbed stories and legends from other cultures, including the Epic of Gilgamesh, demonstrating their cultural sophistication which likely also translated into strategic advantages in diplomacy and warfare. The Hittites also stood their ground against powerful adversaries, including the Egyptians, with whom they fought to a stalemate, leading to the signing of one of history's earliest peace treaties.
The contrast to the Assyrian military, as well as the tactical speed of the Arab armies who used camels effectively and the innovations such as chariots introduced by the Hyksos to Egypt, puts into perspective the diverse military strengths that different civilizations brought to battles.