The period around 1026 BCE in Babylonia was marked by significant turmoil and political fragmentation. The Babylonian dynasty of Nabu-shum-libur was overthrown by Aramean incursions, leading to a state of anarchy in the heart of Babylonia, including its capital. This period of chaos lasted for over two decades, during which Babylon was without a ruler.

Simultaneously, in southern Mesopotamia, which corresponded to the old Sealand Dynasty region, a separate state emerged under Dynasty V (1025–1004 BCE). This dynasty, led by Simbar-shipak, a leader of a Kassite clan, functioned independently from the central Babylonian authority. The disarray in Babylon provided an opportunity for Assyrian intervention. Ashur-nirari IV (1019–1013 BCE), the Assyrian ruler, seized this chance and invaded Babylonia in 1018 BCE, capturing the city of Atlila and some south-central Mesopotamian regions.

Following Dynasty V, another Kassite Dynasty (Dynasty VI; 1003–984 BCE) came to power, which appears to have reasserted control over Babylon itself. However, this revival was short-lived, as the Elamites, under king Mar-biti-apla-usur, overthrew this dynasty to establish Dynasty VII (984–977 BCE). This dynasty, too, was unable to sustain itself, falling victim to further Aramean incursions.

Babylonian sovereignty was reestablished by Nabû-mukin-apli in 977 BCE, leading to the formation of Dynasty VIII. Dynasty IX began with Ninurta-kudurri-usur II, who ascended the throne in 941 BCE. During this era, Babylonia remained relatively weak, with large areas under the control of Aramean and Sutean populations. The Babylonian rulers of this period often found themselves under the influence of, or in conflict with, the more dominant regional powers of Assyria and Elam, both of which had annexed parts of Babylonian territory.