Capital of an ancient Semitic kingdom of N Babylonia. The city became important after the third dynasty of Ur fell to the Elamites and the Amorites (2025 B.C.). The phase from 2025–1763 B.C. is sometimes called the Isin-Larsa period. Many city-states vied with one another, but Isin and Larsa were the most powerful of these. Excavations have brought to light the law code of King Lipit-Ishtar of Isin. This code is one of several codes that predate the stele of Hammurabi.