The Early Babylonian period (c.2000-1763 BC) was dominated by two cities, Isin and Larsa. Situated in the south of the Mesopotamian plain, Isin's realms were built up by Ishbi-Erra (2017-1985 BC) in the aftermath of the collapse of the Kingdom of Ur. He drove out the Elamites who had seized Ur.
His son, Shu-ilishu (1984-1975 BC) brought back the statue of Nanna, Ur's principal deity, which had been carried off to the Elamite city of Anshan. His reign was one of peace and prosperity, and that of his successor, Ishme-Dagan (1953-1935 BC) was renowned for its laws and justice.
The Isin kings continued to use the Sumerian language for official documents, even though Akkadian was the spoken language. They patronized scribal schools in which the study of Sumerian was compulsory. Some of the great literary works of the ancient world were composed by scribes from these schools.
Isin gradually became surrounded by Amorites who seized control of cities throughout the Mesopotamian plain, including Babylon. A great rivalry began with the Amorite dynasty of Larsa to the south, which lasted for over a century and eventually ended with victory by Larsa. Both cities, however, soon succumbed to the great Hammurabi of Babylon (c.1792-1750 BC).
