Final answer:
The Babylonian Empire, known for its monumental architecture, advanced astronomy, and mathematical achievements, saw its peak during King Hammurabi's reign. Post-Hammurabi, the empire weakened, leading to conquests by the Hittites and Kassites, before finally being absorbed by the Persian Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Babylonian Empire is significant in history due to its contributions in various fields such as architecture, astronomy, and mathematics. Flourishing trade and high taxes generated immense wealth for the king and his court, facilitating the construction of monumental architecture in their capital. The Babylonians inherited ancient Mesopotamian scientific traditions, becoming noted astronomers and mathematicians who could predict eclipses and maintained detailed calendars.
Moreover, they introduced the zodiac that is still in use for astrology today. The empire saw its heights during King Hammurabi's reign in the 18th century BCE and extended its control across Mesopotamia. However, this dominance was short-lived as the empire began to lose territories after Hammurabi's death and eventually came to an end with the Hittite sacking of Babylon in 1595 BCE and later the conquest by the Kassites.
Throughout its history, the Neo-Babylonian Empire succeeded in becoming a dominant power in the Near East. Yet, this was not permanent, as within a century of their rebellion against the Assyrians, the Persians conquered them, marking the end of their independent existence and the rise of the Persian Empire, the largest empire the ancient world had seen to that date.