Akkadian Empire

Akkadian Empire was an empire in Mesopotamia (Middle East) that lasted from c. 2334 to 2154 BCE, about 180 years. Its people spoke Semitic languages (Akkadian, Amorite, Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician, Ge'ez, Amharic, Tigrinya).

Sargon of Akkad united Sumer and northern Mesopotamia into the first known empire, and his grandson Naram-Sin proclaimed himself a god. Revolts, drought and Gutian raiders brought it down.

See Akkadian Empire on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 2334 to 2154 BCE
Duration: 180 years
Type: Empire
Region: Mesopotamia, Middle East
Language family: Semitic
Capital: Akkad

Came from

Umma c. 2600 to 2334 BCE

Became

Gutian dynasty c. 2154 to 2112 BCE

Events in Middle East during its time

2334 BCE Sargon founds the Akkadian Empire

Neighbours in Middle East

Ebla c. 3000 to 1600 BCE
Old Elamite period c. 2700 to 1500 BCE
Mari c. 2900 to 1761 BCE
Dilmun c. 2800 to 544 BCE
Troy c. 3000 to 1180 BCE
Byblos c. 2800 to 1200 BCE
Uruk c. 2900 to 2270 BCE
Kish c. 2900 to 2334 BCE
Lagash c. 2500 to 2110 BCE
Umma c. 2600 to 2334 BCE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Minoan civilization c. 3100 to 1450 BCE, Europe
Old Kingdom of Egypt c. 2686 to 2181 BCE, North and West Africa

Questions

When did Akkadian Empire exist?

c. 2334 to 2154 BCE, about 180 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Akkadian Empire?

Mesopotamia, in Middle East. Its capital was Akkad.

What language did Akkadian Empire speak?

Semitic. This family includes Akkadian, Amorite, Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician, Ge'ez, Amharic, Tigrinya.

What came before Akkadian Empire?

Umma.

What came after Akkadian Empire?

Gutian dynasty.