
Akkadians
The Akkadians were an ancient civilization that emerged in Mesopotamia around 2300 BCE. They spoke the Akkadian language, a Semitic tongue, and established one of the world's first empires under King Sargon of Akkad. The Akkadians are known for their contributions to writing, law, and architecture, particularly the use of cuneiform script on clay tablets. Their empire united various city-states and cultures, influencing later civilizations, including the Babylonians. The Akkadian society thrived until around 2000 BCE, when it began to decline due to internal strife and invasions, but their legacy significantly shaped human history.