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Explanatory notes

Assyria/Mitanni
Old Assyrian periodThis period is largely based on the city of Asshur, and was in decline through much of this era. There were few rulers of major impact.
Middle Assyrian periodRecovery of independence for Assyria in the early stages of this era lasted for some years until Assyria came under the control of Aramaeans. Nineveh became the prominent city.
MitanniAlso known as Horites or Hurrians, the Mitanni held sway over a region to the west of Assyria. Initially they seized land from Babylon after the Hittite sack of that city. At the height of their power, Assyria was a vassal state, but ultimately the region became subject to the Hittites and was finally incorporated into Assyria after the Judges era had ended.

Babylon
Old Babylonian period
The Old Babylonian period was in decline during this period, and the city was sacked by the Hittite ruler Mursilis I.
Kassite dynasty
The early history of this period was of slow recovery under the Kassite dynasty. However. later days saw increasing nomadic invasions and final disintegration. As the Kassites lost power, other leaders arose from different Mesopotamian cities.

Hatti (the Hittites)
The Hittite kingdom, lasting through most of this period was based in modern Turkey and held sway over a region of the Middle East centred on this. Hittite fortunes fluctuated considerably over the years, since their extensive land borders led to vulnerability to invasion from various directions. A high point was the reign of Mursilis I who conquered Syria and captured Babylon. The last years of this period saw the rise of the Hittite empire, with Tudhaliyas I a contemporary of Thutmose III of Egypt.

Egypt
Second Intermediate Period
Another period of turmoil and confusion which lasted nearly 4 centuries until the establishment of the 18th dynasty. Much of the period saw Egypt ruled by the Hyksos, foreign invaders who settled in the Delta region. New Chronology dates are moved approximately 150-200 years later than in the conventional chronology of Egypt for the first part of this era, and up to 350 years later towards the end of the period.
New Kingdom
This was another period of strength, lasting around 400 years, in which a number of powerful military conquerers extended their sway well beyond the borders of Egypt. Some of the best-known Pharaohs date from this era. New Chronology dates for the start of this era are moved approximately 300-350 years later than in the conventional chronology of Egypt.