This issue of Biblical Archaeologist is the second devoted to the archaeology and culture of ancient Anatolia. The initial issue (Biblical Archaeologist 52:2-3, 1989) emphasized the role of the Hittites. This issue is once again weighted heavily in favor of the Hittites, but also deals with other aspects of this ancient land. I feel very fortunate once again to have had the privilege of working with a very distinguished group of scholars, each of whom deserve thanks for their efforts in making the current issue possible. Along with the newly established ASOR symposium on Ancient Anatolia, this collection of articles reflects ASOR's continuing interest in the archaeology of Anatolia. I'd like to thank both ASOR and the Biblical Archaeologist editorial committee for making this venture possible. There is more to this issue, however, than first meets the eye.

Although the current issue of Biblical Archaeologist has been in the works for about two years, it was only after spending several days at Bogazkûy in the summer of 1993 that I proposed dedicating it to Peter Neve, the retiring director of the Bogazköy-Hattusa excavations. After wandering over the grounds at Bogazköy for several days and reviewing endless boxes of Hittite pottery, I began to sense the immense void that Peter's retirement would leave amongst his colleagues. It seemed only fitting at that point that this issue should be dedicated to the person who, more than anyone, has given new life to the Hittite capital.

As Director of the German excavations at Bogazkûy, Peter Neve has worked tirelessly-from 1954 when he arrived as a student until his final season as director in 1993-to resurrect the Hittite Empire's foremost city. During that time, Neve has added a wealth of knowledge to Near Eastern studies in general and to Hittite and Anatolian studies in particular. Not only are his contributions monumental in scope (e.g., his detailed study of the Hittite citadel, BÄyÄkkale: Die Bauwerke, 1982), but as the magnificently illustrated summary of his work in Antike Welt (1992) shows, they are incredibly rich and varied. The decision to dedicate this issue to Peter is a heartfelt response, not only for the many contributions he has made in the field, but for the inspiration and personal kindnesses he has shown to me over the years.

My first contact with Peter came as the result of a letter I wrote to him in 1982 requesting a place on the Bogazkûy team. That position never materialized, but the correspondence led to further conversations and a number of visits to the Hittite Capital. Then, Peter visited the United States in the January of 1988 and lectured in a seminar class I was helping to organize at the Oriental Institute. While excitedly viewing the pottery from Alisar Höyük with me, Peter instilled in me the sense of AlisŸar's importance and encouraged me to follow up on my preliminary interests in AlisŸar. He also inspired me to pursue the possibility of reopening the Oriental Institute's earlier excavations at the site. In fact, Peter, more than anyone else, encouraged me to tackle the great challenge of AlisŸar and was the first person to visit us after we began work there in 1993.

Peter Neve will be remembered, of course, as one of the world's premier archaeologists, but he is a man of many interests. Architecture was Peter's first love and one of the reasons for the bond that developed between us is a common interest in architecture. It was a great pleasure, in fact, to visit the famous architectural landmarks of Chicago with Peter during his freezing cold (-15Á F) January visit. His love of jazz, however, manifests a very personal side to a man that many know only through his long-term efforts at Bogazkûy. In fact, one of my lasting memories of Peter will be the smile that registered on his face as we sat on crowded wooden benches and listened to the live sounds of Chicago's famous Checkerboard Club.

Besides being one of the world's most dedicated archaeologists, Peter Neve has also been one of its most perceptive. He certainly brought abundant energy and a critical eye for architectural form and detail to his work in the field, but his instincts more than anything else made possible the revelation of the imperial capital and laid the groundwork for future research. His ability in the field was, however, only one reason for his success as a director. He also possessed the ability to engage the local population in his work and to instill within them a sense of pride and a feeling that they were part of something very special. Moreover, Peter Neve has also been an inspiration to a younger generation of archaeologists from many countries. Thus, his work transcends not only nations and cultures, but time itself. This tribute to Peter Neve is a small way of saying thanks, not just for the years spent laboring in the field, but for being the special person who made us all feel as if we had a home in Hattusa.

The Hittites were great builders who stressed the need to erect their structures "for eternity" (KUB 31.100. obv. 10). Hattusa, however, survived longer than they probably ever could have hoped. The city owes its survival not only to the meticulous work of Hittite artisans and craftspeople, but also to the work and vision of Peter Neve. He has labored tirelessly to immortalize Hattusa and has in the process immortalized himself. Under his direction, the Hittite capital has begun to rise again, and I think the Hittites would have been pleased to know their city's renaissance had been entrusted into such competent hands. I think it is safe to say that Peter Neve's work has justly earned him the title "Royal Architect of Hattusa."