Essay On Akkadian Empire

Akkadian Empire

The Akkadian Empire (c. 2334-2154 B.C.) was a third millennium B.C. Mesopotamian empire situated in the fertile areas of modern day Iraq. Comprised of land that stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, it became the largest world empire up to that time and the first Semitic dynasty in the region. The name Akkadian refers to its capital city of Agade, which has yet to be discovered, but is believed to be located somewhere north of Babylon upon the banks of the Euphrates.

Founded by Sargon of Akkad (c. 2334-2279 B.C.) after conquering southern Mesopotamia and parts of Syria, Anatolia, and Elam, the empire produced multiple kings that progressively increased political control and personal wealth. Moreover, these kings claimed certain godlike attributes, viewing themselves as intermediaries between the populace and religious gods of the time. Under Sargon’s sons Rimush (c. 2284-2275 B.C.) and Manishtushu (c. 2275-2260 B.C.), the empire expanded with campaigns into Iran and the Arabian coast. Naram-Sin (c. 2260-2223 B.C.) provided leadership as the empire pushed to its greatest extent further into Iran, Magan and Syria. Under his rule, the Akkadian empire adopted the Semitic Akkadian language for administration and standardized methods of accounting. Addtionally Naram-Sin proclaimed himself as the god of Agade. A practice imitated by future Mesopotamian

dynasties. The empire continued, but was plagued with revolts and a severe drought under Shar-kali-sharri (c. 2223-2198 B.C.). Finally, two kings not of the lineage of Sargon, Dudu (c. 2195–2174 B.C.) and Shu-durul (c. 2174–2159 B.C.) ruled the diminishing kingdom. The combination of pressures from migrating tribes, such as the Amorites and Gutians, a devastating drought, coupled with an increased desire among individual cities for independence led to a shortened lifespan. In less than a hundred years after its founding, the Sumerian city of Ur rebelled in 2154 B.C. and the once great Akkadian empire crumbled.
The kingdom left several notable accomplishments.

The Akkadian language continued as the main language of Mesopotamia into the first millennium BC. The Assyrian and Babylonian languages both developed from Akkadian dialect. Cuneiform writing found its way in varying forms by the Egyptians, Persians, Hittites, and Syrians. Correspondingly, the Akkadians influenced and left wonderful works of art that included sculpture and relief work. Archeology also shows evidence of roads, a postal service, and an astrological calendar. While the empire disappeared, its legacy

remained.