Akkad and the Akkadian Empire: The First Multinational Empire in the World

Q: What is the Akkadian Empire known for?

The Akkadian Empire was the first multinational empire in the world. It is also famous for the first writer in world history known by name, Enheduanna, daughter of Sargon of Akkad.

Q: Where was Akkad located?

No one knows where Akkad was located except that it rose on the western bank of the Euphrates River in ancient Mesopotamia.

Q: Who founded the Akkadian Empire?

The Akkadian Empire was founded by Sargon the Great (also known as Sargon of Akkad), who ruled 2334-2279 BCE.

Q: What caused the fall of the Akkadian Empire?

The cause of the fall of the Akkadian Empire is unknown. It was traditionally ascribed to the Gutian Invasion, but modern scholars think it may have been caused by climate change, famine, and disruption in trade, which may have allowed for the Gutian victory.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

The city of Akkad was the seat of the Akkadian Empire (2350/2334-2154 BCE), the first multinational political entity in the world, founded by Sargon the Great, who unified Mesopotamia under his rule and set the model for later Mesopotamian kings to follow or attempt to surpass. The Akkadian Empire developed concepts invented by the Sumerians and introduced many of its own that would inform later dynasties and empires in the region, including:

More about: Akkad and the Akkadian Empire

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.
2278 BCE - 2270 BCE
Reign of Akkadian King Rimush.
2269 BCE - 2255 BCE
Reign of Akkadian King Manishtushu.
2254 BCE - 2218 BCE
Reign of Akkadian king Naram-Sin.
c. 2240 BCE
Naram-Sin of Akkad campaigns against the Amorites in northern Syria.
c. 2220 BCE - c. 2150 BCE
The Akkadian Empire dominates Mari with military governors called Shakkanakku serving as rulers.
2217 BCE - 2193 BCE
Reign of Akkadian King Shar-Kali-Sharri.
2193 BCE - 2154 BCE
Gutian invasion topples Akkadian Empire.
2189 BCE - 2169 BCE
Reign of Akkadian King Dudu.
2168 BCE - 2154 BCE
Reign of Akkadian King Shu-turul.
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.
c. 2154 BCE
The Akkadian Empire falls, Mari gains independence.
c. 2141 BCE - c. 2050 BCE
The Gutian period in Sumer.