- Foundation and Early Period
- Akkad was the first multi-national political entity in the world
- Sargon the Great founded or restored Akkad from 2334-2279 BCE
- Empire stretched from Persian Gulf to Mediterranean Sea
- Akkadian replaced Sumerian as lingua franca except in sacred services
- Rulers and Achievements
- Sargon established first postal system with clay envelopes
- Enheduanna became world's first known writer by name
- Naram-Sin ruled from 2261-2224 BCE, expanding empire beyond Persian Gulf
- Empire stabilized Mesopotamia through art, literature, science, and agriculture
- Decline and Legacy
- Naram-Sin's alleged destruction of Enlil's temple led to Gutian invasion
- Empire collapsed after 142 years under Shar-Kali-Sharri
- Recent studies suggest climate change caused famine and weakened empire
- City's exact location and fall remain unknown