Sargon of Akkad
Sargon of Akkad, a prominent figure in ancient Mesopotamia, rose from humble beginnings to become a powerful ruler. Born in Akkad, he began his career in the service of Ur-Zababa, the king of Kish. After overthrowing Ur-Zababa, Sargon established himself as king around 2334 BCE and ruled for an impressive fifty-five years. Under his leadership, Sargon launched extensive military campaigns, successfully conquering city-states such as Erech and Ur, as well as the Elamites, ultimately expanding his influence to the Mediterranean Sea.
Recognized as the creator of the world's first true empire, Sargon’s reign marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. Despite the eventual fragmentation of his empire by 2100 BCE due to various pressures, the legacy of Sargon's conquests endured. His achievements influenced many subsequent rulers who sought to replicate his success, solidifying his place in history as a foundational figure in the development of centralized power and governance in the ancient world.
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Sargon of Akkad
Related civilizations: Mesopotamia, Akkad, Sumer
Major role/position: King
Life
Sargon (SAHR-gahn of A-kad) came from Akkad in Mesopotamia. Despite his humble, Semitic background, he was able to win a job with the Sumerian Ur-Zababa, king of Kish. When Ur-Zababa was overthrown, Sargon was able to seize the throne for himself. He would rule for fifty-five years, from c. 2334 to 2279 b.c.e.
Once in charge, Sargon immediately began a campaign of conquest. He first moved south and subjugated numerous city-states including Erech and Ur. He then moved east and conquered the Elamites. He then drove west to the Mediterranean Sea. Near the end of his reign, Sargon defeated a coalition of southern Sumerian city-states and established his dominance over all Mesopotamia. The state he had created was the world’s first true empire.
Influence
Four rulers from Sargon’s dynasty followed, but by 2100 b.c.e., his empire fell apart because of internal and external attacks. Sargon’s example lived on in the region for centuries as numerous later kings attempted to emulate his achievements.
Bibliography
Edwards, T. E. S., et al., eds. The Cambridge Ancient History. Vol. 1. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Hallo, W. W., and W. K. Simpson. The Ancient Near East: A History. 2d ed. Fort Worth, Tex.: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1998.