Final answer:
The Babylonian and Hittite empires both had centralized governments with the former being prominent for its legal code and the latter for its military might. Geographically, they were part of the ancient Near East and had differing approaches to culture with the Hittites adopting those of the conquered. The Hittite temporary conquest of Babylon did not result in their empire outlasting the broader Babylonian civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Babylonian and Hittite empires shared some similarities but were also quite distinct from each other in several ways. Both empires had strong centralized governments which effectively controlled their respective regions. The Babylonian Empire, especially under Hammurabi, was renowned for Hammurabi's Code, an extensive law code that has made a lasting impact on legal systems. In contrast, the Hittite Empire is noted for its powerful military and innovation in warfare, as well as being a conduit of culture and technology between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean region.
Geographically, the assertion that the Babylonian Empire was in Asia while the Hittite Empire was in the Middle East is slightly misleading as both were part of the ancient Near East region; Babylon was in Southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), and the Hittites were in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The Hittite Empire invaded and briefly took over Babylon but did not establish lasting control, illustrating their differing approaches to conquest. Moreover, the Hittites were known for their practice of adopting the customs, technologies, and religions of the peoples they conquered rather than imposing their own, which differed from Babylonian practices.
It is important to note that the statement regarding the Hittite Empire outlasting the Babylonian Empire is somewhat inaccurate. While the city of Babylon fell to the Hittites around 1595 BCE, the broader Babylonian civilization went through various stages and continued in different forms, such as under Kassite rule or later as part of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. However, both empires ultimately fell into decline, being part of the wider Late Bronze Age Collapse that affected much of the ancient Near East.