Akkadian (Sargon)

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Overview

The Akkadian Empire, founded by Sargon of Akkad around 2334 BCE, is usually described as the first empire in history: one ruler governing many cities, peoples and languages in Mesopotamia and beyond. It lasted about 180 years. Its importance for a modern learner is twofold. It shows how fast a capable leader can build a large organisation by force and appointments, and how quickly that organisation can break when local loyalties, succession and resources are not managed.

Context

Before Sargon, southern Mesopotamia was a patchwork of Sumerian city-states such as Ur, Uruk, Lagash and Umma, each with its own god, ruler and army. They fought over canals and farmland. Akkadian, a Semitic language, was spoken alongside Sumerian in the north. Sargon came from this mixed world and used it, building a state that drew on both traditions.