Initially, the Babylonian state was already established in the Middle East with organized city-states, while the Hittites expanded by seizing territory and founding colonies. The Hittites had the ability to smelt iron for weaponry, which gave them military advantage. By about 1200 B.C. they faced famine and assaults from Mediterranean raiders called the Sea Peoples as well as eastern nomadic groups, which led to their collapse. From 1595 B.C. until 625 B.C. Babylonia fell under foreign domination until the general Nabopolassar expelled the occupiers and declared himself king, after which a powerful new Babylonian empire arose.