The Akkadian Empire

ancient history · mesopotamia · first empire

First Real Empire. The Akkadian Empire, founded around 2334 BCE, was the first empire in all of human history. Before that, ancient cities like those in Sumer were independent, but the Akkadians brought them all under one powerful ruler.

Huge Territory. The empire stretched across modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, parts of Iran, and Turkey. The Akkadians even sent soldiers and explorers all the way to the Arabian Peninsula to places called Dilmun and Magan.

City of Akkad. The empire was centered on the great city of Akkad (also called Agade), which became a major power in Mesopotamia. This city gave the empire and its people their name.

Two Peoples United. The Akkadians brought together Akkadian speakers (Semitic people) and Sumerian speakers under one government. They blended their cultures while keeping their own languages and traditions alive.

Military Power. The Akkadians were strong warriors who used their army to control the region and trade routes. This military strength is one reason they could build the first empire the world had ever seen.