Who established a 300-year rule over the Old Babylonian Empire starting around 1600 B.C.E.?

The Kassites are credited with establishing a rule over the Old Babylonian Empire that lasted for about 300 years, beginning around 1600 B.C.E. After the fall of the Old Babylonian Empire, primarily due to the invasion of the Hittites, the Kassites were able to take control of Babylon and its surrounding regions. They are known for their significant contributions to Babylonian culture and society, including the integration of their own language and practices into the existing Babylonian framework. The Kassite dynasty is marked by its efforts to stabilize the region after periods of turmoil and to promote trade and agriculture, which led to a prolonged period of relative peace and prosperity in the area. This extended rule allowed for cultural exchanges and the strengthening of Babylon as a major power in the ancient Near East.