Chapter VI

THE CLOSE OF THE FIRST DYNASTY OF BABYLON AND THE KINGS FROM
THE COUNTRY OF THE SEA

Condition of the empire on Samsu-iluna's accession--Early
Kassite raid the signal for revolt, assisted by Elamite
invasion--Resources of Babylon strained in suppressing
the rebellion--Rise of an independent kingdom in the
Sea-Country on the littoral of the Persian Gulf--Capacity
of the Sea-Country for defence and as a base for offensive
operations--Sumerian elements in its population--Babylon's
loss of territory and her struggle with the Sea-Country
kings--Symptoms of decadence under the later West-Semitic
kings of Babylon--The deification of royalty and increased
luxury of ritual--Evidence of Babylon's growing wealth
and artistic progress under foreign influence--Temporary
restoration of Babylon's power under Ammi-ditana--Renewed
activity of the Sea-Country followed by gradual decline of
Babylon--The close of the West-Semitic dynasty brought about
or hastened by Hittite invasion--Period of local dynasties
following the fall of Babylon--Continued succession of the
Sea-Country kings