The Rise and Fall of the Akkadian Empire: The World's First Empire

TLDRThe Akkadian Empire was the world's first empire, ruling over Mesopotamia from 2334 BCE to 2193 BCE. Led by powerful kings, the Akkadians expanded their territory through conquest and established a standing army. However, after reaching its height under King Naram-Sin, the empire began to decline, leading to its eventual collapse. The exact cause of the empire's fall remains a mystery.

Key insights

The Akkadian Empire was the first empire in history, ruling over Mesopotamia from 2334 BCE to 2193 BCE.

Under the rule of Sargon and Naram-Sin, the Akkadians expanded their territory through conquest and established a standing army.

The empire reached its peak under Naram-Sin, who made himself a god and undertook grand building projects.

The Sumerian King List suggests that the Akkadian Empire experienced a period of chaos and uncertainty after 2193 BCE.

The exact cause of the Akkadian Empire's decline and collapse remains unknown, but it may have been due to internal instability or external invasions.

Q&A

Who founded the Akkadian Empire?

—The Akkadian Empire was founded by Sargon the Great in 2334 BCE.

What led to the expansion of the Akkadian Empire?

—The Akkadian Empire expanded through military conquests and the establishment of a standing army.

Who was the greatest ruler of the Akkadian Empire?

—Naram-Sin is considered the greatest ruler of the Akkadian Empire, credited with its peak prosperity and the construction of grand buildings.

Why did the Akkadian Empire decline?

—The exact reason for the decline of the Akkadian Empire is unknown, but the Sumerian King List indicates a period of chaos and uncertainty.

What happened to the Akkadian Empire?

—The Akkadian Empire eventually collapsed around 2193 BCE, and the exact cause of its fall remains a mystery.

Timestamped Summary

00:14The Akkadian Empire was the world's first empire, ruling over Mesopotamia from 2334 BCE to 2193 BCE.

02:27Under the rule of Sargon and Naram-Sin, the Akkadians expanded their territory through conquest and established a standing army.

09:28The empire reached its peak under Naram-Sin, who made himself a god and undertook grand building projects.

14:40The Sumerian King List suggests that the Akkadian Empire experienced a period of chaos and uncertainty after 2193 BCE.

18:49The exact cause of the Akkadian Empire's decline and collapse remains unknown, but it may have been due to internal instability or external invasions.

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