Sargon of Akkad
c. 2334 BCE
Sargon of Akkad founded the Akkadian Empire, often described as the first multi-city empire in Mesopotamian history, ruling c. 2334–2279 BCE (Middle Chronology). From his capital Akkad (Agade) he united the Sumerian city-states and campaigned widely, and he installed his daughter Enheduanna as en-priestess of Nanna at Ur to help bind the south to his rule. His reign and conquests are attested in inscriptions and later chronicle traditions; a separate, later legend tells of his birth and rescue in a reed basket.
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The first empire, and a retinue of 5,400
Around 2334 BCE, Sargon of Akkad welded the cities of Mesopotamia into what is often called history's first empire. His own inscriptions boast that 5,400 men "ate bread daily before him" — a permanent household of soldiers, courtiers, scribes and priests fed from the royal table, one of the earliest hints of a standing professional force, more than 4,300 years ago.
How we know
Sargon of Akkad, Middle Chronology accession c. 2334 BCE (reign c. 2334–2279 BCE); "5,400 men ate bread daily before him" is drawn from his own royal inscriptions. Distance to 2026 CE: 2334 + 2026 = 4,360 years.
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