c. 2334 BCEReputable source · 2 sourcesWell documented
Sargon of Akkad and the World's First Empire
On the timeline · around c. 2334 BCE ·
What happened
Sargon of Akkad conquered the Sumerian city-states and united Mesopotamia under a single ruler, founding the Akkadian Empire and a new capital, Akkad. He is remembered as the first great empire-builder in history.
Why it matters
The Akkadian Empire was the world's first true empire, ruling diverse peoples under one administration and spreading the Akkadian language across the region.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Sargon of Akkad · Reputable source
- World History Encyclopedia. Akkadian Empire · Reputable source