Old Akkadian

Old Akkadian is an early Semitic language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia around 2300 to 2000 BCE. It was written using cuneiform script on clay tablets and served as the lingua franca for administration, diplomacy, and commerce in the Akkadian Empire and surrounding regions. As a predecessor to later Akkadian dialects like Assyrian and Babylonian, Old Akkadian provides crucial insights into early Mesopotamian culture, governance, and linguistic development. Though its use declined over time, it laid the groundwork for the rich literary and historical traditions of ancient Mesopotamia.