Sargon of Akkad
Sargon of Akkad, also known as Sargon the Great, was the ruler of the Akkadian Empire. He was one of the first people in recorded history to create an empire.
Identity
Sargon of Akkad may have been the same person as the first Sargon of Assyria (also known as Sharrukin or Sharru-kin). Sargon's empire would probably have included Assyria. He is listed in the Assyrian king list as the son of Ikunum and the founder of a dynasty. He became a prominent member of the royal court of Kish, ultimately overthrowing its king before embarking on the conquest of Mesopotamia.
The Empire
Sargon's vast empire is known to have extended from Elam to the Mediterranean Sea, including Mesopotamia, parts of modern-day Iran and Syria, and possibly parts of Anatolia and the Arabian peninsula. He ruled from a new capital, Akkad, which the Sumerian king list claims he built on the left bank of the Euphrates.[1] He is sometimes regarded as the first person in recorded history to create a multiethnic, centrally ruled empire, although the Sumerians Lugal-anne-mundu and Lugal-zage-si also have a claim. His dynasty controlled Mesopotamia for around a century and a half.[2]
Sargon allowed the people of the lands he conquered to retain their local rulers and customs. They had to obey him, however, and pay a protection tax known as a tribute. Sargon's policy contributed to the preservation of peace and the loyalty of people throughout his empire.[3]
Akkadian language
The Akkadian language was made the official language of international discourse.[4] During Sargon's reign, Akkadian was standardized and adapted for use with the cuneiform script, which was previously used for the Sumerian language. A style of calligraphy developed in which text on clay tablets and cylinder seals was arranged amidst scenes of mythology and ritual.[5]
