The Middle Babylonian period, also known as the Kassite period, in southern Mesopotamia is dated from c. 1595 – c. 1155 BCE and began after the Hittites sacked the city of Babylon. The Kassite Dynasty, established by Gandash of Mari, marked a significant era in Mesopotamian history, lasting for 576 years from around 1595 BCE. This period is notable for being the longest dynasty in Babylonian history, with the Kassites renaming Babylon as Karduniaš. Originating from the Zagros Mountains in northwestern Iran, the Kassites were not native to Mesopotamia. Their language, distinct from Semitic or Indo-European languages, possibly related to the Hurro-Urartian family, remains largely unknown due to scarce textual evidence. Interestingly, some Kassite leaders had Indo-European names, suggesting an Indo-European elite, while others bore Semitic names.^[25] Under Kassite rule, most divine titles attributed to former Amorite kings were abandoned, and the title "god" was never ascribed to a Kassite sovereign. Despite these changes, Babylon continued as a major religious and cultural center.^[26]

Babylonia, during this period, experienced fluctuations in power, often under Assyrian and Elamite influence. The early Kassite rulers, including Agum II, who ascended in 1595 BCE, maintained peaceful relations with neighboring regions like Assyria and fought against the Hittite Empire.

The Kassite rulers engaged in various diplomatic and military activities. For instance, Burnaburiash I made peace with Assyria, and Ulamburiash conquered parts of the Sealand Dynasty around 1450 BCE. This era also saw the construction of significant architectural works, such as a bas-relief temple in Uruk by Karaindash and the establishment of a new capital, Dur-Kurigalzu, by Kurigalzu I.

The dynasty faced challenges from external powers, including Elam. Kings like Kadašman-Ḫarbe I and Kurigalzu I struggled against Elamite invasions and internal threats from groups like the Suteans.^[27]

The latter part of the Kassite Dynasty saw continued conflicts with Assyria and Elam. Notable rulers like Burna-Buriash II maintained diplomatic relations with Egypt and the Hittite Empire. However, the rise of the Middle Assyrian Empire brought new challenges, leading to the eventual end of the Kassite Dynasty.

The Kassite period concluded with the conquest of Babylonia by Elam under Shutruk-Nakhunte and later by Nebuchadnezzar I, aligning with the broader Late Bronze Age collapse. Despite military and cultural challenges, the Kassite Dynasty's long reign remains a testament to its resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of ancient Mesopotamia.