ConflictThe Middle East

Akkad — the first empire

2,335 BCE – 2,155 BCE

Sargon subdues every city and invents the empire

In depth

Akkad introduced the devices every later empire reused: a standing army, appointed governors instead of local kings, one written language for administration, and the ruler's daughter as high priestess in a conquered city. She, Enheduanna, signed her hymns by name and is thus the first author in world history whose name we know.

For children

Sargon was not born a king — legend says he was found in a basket on the river. He conquered every city in Mesopotamia and ruled them as one realm. It was the first time anyone had attempted such a thing.

Connects to

Uruk3,101 BCE
The Code of Hammurabi1,755 BCE
Writing is invented3,201 BCE

Part of Terra Saga — the story of Earth on a timeline. terrasaga.org