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Akkad and the Akkadian Empire
Akkad was the seat of the Akkadian Empire (2334-2218 BCE), the first multi-national political entity in the world, founded by Sargon the Great (r. 2334-2279 BCE) who unified Mesopotamia under his rule and set the model for later Mesopotamian...
Definition
Mesopotamian Literature
Ancient Mesopotamian literature developed c. 2600 BCE after scribes, who had formerly been record keepers, began composing original works in the region of Sumer. The Sumerians invented writing c. 3500 BCE, refined the script c. 3200 BCE...
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The Mesopotamian Pantheon
The gods of the Mesopotamian region were not uniform in name, power, provenance or status in the hierarchy. Mesopotamian culture varied from region to region and, because of this, Marduk should not be regarded as King of the Gods in the same...
Definition
Sargon of Akkad
Sargon of Akkad (r. 2334 - 2279 BCE) was the king of the Akkadian Empire of Mesopotamia, the first multi-national empire in history, who united the disparate kingdoms of the region under a central authority. He is equally famous today as...
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Akkadian Stele of Ilšu-rabi from Tell Abu Sheeja
The stele was found at Tell Abu Sheeja, north of modern-day Amarah city, Maysan Governorate, Iraq. The Old Akkadian cuneiform inscription on the left side of the viewer mentions the name of the city of Pašime. Pašime lies western to the ancient...
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Akkadian Ruler
Bronze head of an Akkadian ruler, probably Sargon the Great, c. 23rd - 22nd century BCE.
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Mt. Darbandi Bilula's Akkadian Rock Relief, Mesopotamia, Iraq
This rock relief dates back to the Akkadian era. It lies on the cliff of Mt. Darbadi Bilula, Hori and Shekhan area, Sulaimaniya, near the Iranian border, Iraq. Circa 2100 BCE. It features a victorious man with two captives before him; one...
Definition
Mesopotamian Government
Ancient Mesopotamian government was based on the understanding that human beings were created to help and serve the gods. The high priest, king, assembly of elders, governors, and any other officials were recognized as stewards chosen by...
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Akkadian Soldier on Naram-Sin Victory Stele from Wasit
This alabaster stele (with different registers) was fragmented when originally found and only three fragments have survived; two are in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad and one is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA. The stele commemorates...
Definition
Gutians
The Gutians were a West Asiatic people who are thought to have lived around the Zagros Mountains in a region referred to as Gutium. They had no written language and all that is known of them comes from their enemies, including the Akkadians...