The Ancients
Sargon of Akkad
Jan 12, 2025
Dr. Paul Collins, an Assyriologist and assistant keeper of later Mesopotamia at the British Museum, dives into the fascinating life of Sargon of Akkad, who founded one of history's first empires over 4,000 years ago. Together, they unravel Sargon's transformation from a common man to a legendary ruler through epic conquests and strategic unification of city-states. The pair also discuss the enduring mysteries of Sargon's lost capital, Agade, and the pivotal role of trade, divine authority, and his daughter, Enheduanna, in shaping Mesopotamian culture.
43:21
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Quick takeaways
- Sargon of Akkad rose from common origins to forge the world’s first empire through military conquests and strategic unification of city-states.
- His establishment of a centralized administration and new trade routes not only strengthened his empire but also set a precedent for future rulers in Mesopotamia.
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The Historical Context of Sargon of Akkad
Sargon of Akkad is often recognized as one of the earliest figures in recorded history, reigning over what is considered the world’s first empire around 2330 BC in ancient Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. His rule emerged in a region characterized by fragmented city-states, with Sargon leveraging his origins from the city of Kish to establish his dominance. He unified the alluvial plains of southern Mesopotamia, emphasizing the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as critical to the growth and sustainability of his empire. The emergence of urban centers during his time marked a significant shift in how people lived, with populations increasingly concentrated in these early cities.
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