Sargon of Akkad: From Gardener to King of the Four Corners of the World

Q: Who was Sargon of Akkad?

Sargon of Akkad (reign 2334-2279 BCE) was the founder of the Akkadian Empire, the first multinational empire in world history, established in Mesopotamia.

Q: What is Sargon of Akkad famous for?

Sargon of Akkad is famous as the founder of the first multinational empire in the world, the Akkadian Empire, in ancient Mesopotamia. He is also well-known from legends that grew up around him after the fall of Akkad.

Q: How did Sargon of Akkad conquer Sumer so easily?

It is thought that Sargon of Akkad was able to conquer Sumer as much through propaganda as through military strength. His autobiography, The Legend of Sargon of Akkad, presented him as a man of the people opposed to the wealthy nobility of the city-states.

Q: How did Sargon of Akkad die?

Sargon of Akkad died of natural causes due to old age in 2279 BCE and was succeeded by his son, Rimush, who continued the dynasty.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

Sargon of Akkad (reign 2334-2279 BCE) was the king of the Akkadian Empire of Mesopotamia, the first multinational empire in history, who united the disparate kingdoms of the region under a central authority. He is equally famous today as the father of the great poet-priestess Enheduanna (circa 2300 BCE), the first author known by name in history.

More about: Sargon of Akkad

Timeline

2334 BCE - 2279 BCE
Sargon of Akkad (the Great) reigns over Mesopotamia and creates the world's first empire.
2334 BCE - 2154 BCE
The Akkadian Empire rules Sumer.
c. 2330 BCE
Sargon of Akkad sacks Ur.
c. 2320 BCE
Sargon of Akkad invades the Hattic region, fails to take Hattusa.
c. 2300 BCE
Life of Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon of Akkad, and world's first author known by name.
c. 2154 BCE
Fall of Akkad to the Gutians; the end of Akkadian Empire.
c. 2154 BCE - c. 2112 BCE
The Dark Age of Mesopotamia.