Mind-Benders of Mesopotamian History
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.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.