Kassites

Kassites (Akkadian Kashshū; Greek, Kossaioi or Kissioi), people of ancient south-western Asia. They invaded and settled much of the northern regions of Babylonia in the early 17th century bc. About 1600 or 1595 bc the Hittites attacked Babylonia, weakening its military strength. Subsequently, the Kassites captured Babylon and established a new dynasty that ruled southern and eastern Mesopotamia for the next 450 years. The Kassites adopted the Babylonian language and culture during that period and were virtually absorbed by the native population. About 1225 bc the Assyrian king Tukulti-Ninurta I captured Babylon and greatly weakened the political power of the Kassite dynasty. The Kassites, however, remained on the Babylonian throne until about 1155 bc. They were conquered by Shutruk-Nahhunte I, king of Elam, who placed his own son on the throne.

Except for the names of people, places, and deities, little is known about the Kassite language. It seems, however, that it was neither an Indo-European nor a Semitic language.