Country of Akkad (2334–2154 BCE)

Country of Akkad 𒆳𒌵𒆠
2334 BCE–2154 BCE
Map of the Akkadian Empire. The light blue area in the southeast was underwater in ancient times.
Capital	Akkad
Official languages	Akkadian
Common languages	Sumerian
Dominant mode of production	Slavery
Government	Monarchy
History
• Established	2334 BCE
• Dissolution	2154 BCE
Area
• Total	800,000 km²

The Country of Akkad, commonly known as the Akkadian Empire, was a kingdom in Bronze Age Mesopotamia.

Background

The Akkadians were Semitic-speaking nomads who inhabited the northern part of Mesopotamia as early as the 27th century BCE while Sumerian farmers lived in the south. The first city founded by the Semites was Akkad. By the 24th century BCE, they began assimilating the northern part of Sumer.

History

Foundation

In the mid-24th century BCE, Šarrumkīn became king of Akkad and established the first standing army in history, which contained 5,400 soldiers. After losing his first battles against the Sumerian king Lugalzagesi of Umma, Šarrumkīn eventually defeated him and his vassals and went on to defeat Elam and invade Syria.

Expansion

Famine broke out at the end of Šarrumkīn's reign and caused a rebellion. His son, Rimuš, put down the rebellion before being overthrown by his brother Maništušu. Fifteen years later, Maništušu died during another revolt, and his son Narāmsîn took power. He put down a long rebellion of Sumerian cities led by Kish and defeated Elam and the Mesopotamian city-state of Mari.

Collapse

Akkad began to decline during the reign of Narāmsîn's successor Šarkališarri due to attacks from Amorites (Martu) in the west and Gutians in the east. In order to retain power, the king subordinated the temples and enslaved many free commoners. The army became weaker because there were fewer free men to be conscripted. Around 2170 BCE, the Gutians conquered Akkad and took power for about 60 years.