which factor contributed to the rise of the babylonian empire?\nthe babylonians returned to local rule.\nthe…

Brief Explanations:

• The Akkadian Empire was a major power in Mesopotamia before the Babylonians. Conquering the Akkadians would have given the Babylonians more territory, resources, and political influence, which are key factors in the rise of an empire.
• Returning to local rule (if it means a very small - scale local governance) would not contribute to the rise of an empire.
• The Hittite capital was in Anatolia (modern - day Turkey), and while the Babylonians had some interactions with the Hittites, destroying their capital was not a direct factor in the rise of the Babylonian Empire in Mesopotamia.
• Taking over the Fertile Crescent is a very broad statement. The Babylonians did control parts of the Fertile Crescent, but it was through a series of conquests, and the conquest of the Akkadians was a more specific and important early - stage event in their rise.

Answer:

The Babylonians conquered the Akkadians.