What is Sargon of Akkad?
{{for|other rulers named Sargon|Sargon}} [[File:Sargon of Akkad on his victory stele.jpg|thumb|Stone carving depiction of Sargon]] '''Sargon of Akkad''', also known as '''Sargon the Great''', was the ruler of the [[Akkad|Akkadian Empire]]. He was one of the first people in recorded history to create an [[empire]]. == Identity == Sargon of Akkad may have been the same person as the first Sargon of [[Assyria]] (also known as Sharrukin or Sharru-kin). Sargon's empire would probably have included Assyria. He is listed in the Assyrian king list as the son of Ikunum and the founder of a dynasty. He became a prominent member of the royal court of [[Kish (Sumer)|Kish]], ultimately overthrowing its king before embarking on the conquest of [[Mesopotamia]]. == The Empire == Sargon's vast empire is known to have extended from [[Elam]] to the [[Mediterranean Sea]], including Mesopotamia, parts of modern-day [[Iran]] and [[Syria]], and possibly parts of [[Anatolia]] and the [[Arabian peninsula]]. He ruled from a new capital, Akkad, which the Sumerian king list claims he built on the left bank of the [[Euphrates]].<ref>Kramer, S. Noah 1963. ''The Sumerians''. Chicago. Akkad was probably located between Sippar and Kish.</ref> He is sometimes regarded as the first person in recorded history to create a multiethnic, centrally ruled [[empire]], although the Sumerians [[Lugal-anne-mundu]] and [[Lugal-Zage-Si|Lugal-zage-si]] also have a claim. His dynasty controlled Mesopotamia for around a century and a half.<ref>Van der Mieroop, Marc. 2006. ''A history of the Ancient Near East: ca. 3000–323 BC''. Blackwell, Oxford.</ref> Sargon allowed the people of the lands he conquered to retain their local rulers and customs. They had to obey him, however, and pay a protection [[tax]] known as a [[tribute]]. Sargon's policy contributed to the preservation of peace and the loyalty of people throughout his empire.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1.5 Sargon Conquers Mesopotamia|url=https://mts.cengage.com/course/HRTCF6AZTT23CUQA8808/edition/student/activ