Rise and Fall of the Akkadian Empire
Summary
TLDRThis video explores the rise and fall of the Akkadian Empire, the world's first empire, in ancient Mesopotamia. It details Sargon of Akkad's conquests, the empire's expansion through trade and military might, and the eventual collapse due to internal strife, rebellions, and external threats like the Gutians. The script also touches on the empire's religious and cultural significance, including Sargon's daughter Enheduanna's role and the empire's legacy as a blueprint for future empires.
Takeaways
- đïž The Early Dynastic Period in Mesopotamia, from 2900 to 2350 BC, was marked by the rise and fall of various Sumerian city-states and the eventual unification under King Lugalzagesi.
- đ A key figure in the transition from city-states to empire was Sargon of Akkad, who began as a gardener and rose to power, possibly due to divine favor from the goddess Inanna.
- đ Sargon, also known as Sharru-Kin, established the first true empire in history by conquering Sumerian cities and defeating Lugalzagesi, thus expanding his rule from the Persian Gulf to the north.
- đĄïž Sargon's empire was legitimized through religious endorsements, such as the blessing from Enlil and the establishment of his daughter Enheduanna as a high priestess.
- đą The Akkadian Empire flourished through trade, with goods from distant lands like Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha, enhancing the empire's wealth and power.
- âïž Sargon's successors, including his son Rimush and grandson Naram-Sin, faced and suppressed multiple rebellions, demonstrating the challenges of maintaining a vast empire.
- đ Naram-Sin expanded the empire to its greatest extent, conquering regions up to the 'Upper Sea' and securing trade routes, before claiming divinity for himself.
- đ The fall of the Akkadian Empire is attributed to a combination of factors, including internal rebellions, external invasions by the Gutians, and potentially a severe drought.
- đș The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, currently in the Louvre, is a significant artifact that depicts the emperor's divine status and the empire's military achievements.
- đ The collapse of the Akkadian Empire marked the end of the first empire in history and set the stage for future empires to learn from its rise and fall.
Q & A
What was the significance of Uruk in the history of Ancient Mesopotamia?
-Uruk was the first true Sumerian city and had a significant influence on the wider Near East, eventually leading to the Early Dynastic Period.
Who was King Lugalzagesi and what did he achieve?
-King Lugalzagesi unified southern Mesopotamia, leading to a period of centralization and the rise of the Akkadian Empire.
How did Sargon of Akkad rise to power?
-Sargon of Akkad, initially a gardener, gained favor from the goddess Inanna and was appointed cup-bearer by King Ur-Zababa of Kish. He eventually deposed Ur-Zababa and became the King of Kish, leading to the formation of the Akkadian Empire.
What was the role of Enheduanna, Sargon's daughter, in legitimizing his reign?
-Enheduanna was appointed as the high priestess at the Temple of Nanna in Ur, which helped to legitimize Sargon's rule and control the wealthy city of Ur.
What were the key territories conquered by Sargon of Akkad?
-Sargon conquered the Sumerian cities of Ur, Lagash, Umma, and others, extending his empire from the Persian Gulf to the area just north of the Tigris and Euphrates.
How did the Akkadian Empire expand its trade network?
-The Akkadian Empire expanded its trade network by controlling areas from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean, attracting trade from distant lands such as Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha.
What was the significance of the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin?
-The Victory Stele of Naram-Sin is one of the oldest remaining monuments of the period, showing Naram-Sin claiming divinity and highlighting his victory over the lands of Magan.
Why did the Akkadian Empire collapse?
-The Akkadian Empire collapsed due to a combination of factors including drought, constant rebellion, increasing Gutian raids, and the weight of its own expansion.
Who were the Gutians and what role did they play in the fall of the Akkadian Empire?
-The Gutians were a people from the Zagros mountains who eventually overran Sumer and Akkad, contributing to the fall of the Akkadian Empire.
What is the Curse of Akkad and how does it relate to the fall of the Akkadian Empire?
-The Curse of Akkad is a poem written centuries after the fall of the Akkadian Empire, providing a religious explanation for its collapse by suggesting that Naram-Sin angered the chief god Enlil, leading to divine retribution.
Outlines
đ Early Dynastic Period and the Rise of Sargon of Akkad
This paragraph discusses the transition from the first Sumerian city-state of Uruk to the Early Dynastic Period marked by the rise of other city-states like Ur and Lagash. It highlights the unification efforts of King Lugalzagesi and the subsequent rise of the Akkadian Empire under Sargon of Akkad. The narrative includes Sargon's humble beginnings, his rise to power, and the initial conquests that led to the formation of one of the world's first empires. The paragraph also touches on the sponsorship of the video by the mobile game Raid: Shadow Legends, emphasizing the game's immersive RPG experience and offering incentives for new players.
đ Expansion of the Akkadian Empire and Trade
The second paragraph delves into the territorial expansion of the Akkadian Empire under Sargon, detailing his military campaigns and the strategic importance of controlling trade routes. It mentions the subjugation of Susa and the establishment of trade with distant lands like Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha, which brought valuable resources into the empire. The paragraph also discusses Sargon's use of religion to legitimize his rule, the appointment of his daughter Enheduanna as a high priestess, and the administrative strategies he employed to maintain control over the empire.
đĄ Military Campaigns and the Reign of Naram-Sin
This section focuses on the military campaigns of Naram-Sin, the grandson of Sargon, who further expanded the Akkadian Empire. It describes his successful suppression of rebellions, the consolidation of control over Elam, and a naval expedition against Magan. The paragraph also highlights Naram-Sin's claim to divinity, as depicted in the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, and the eventual decline and fall of the Akkadian Empire after his death, which is attributed to a combination of factors including a potential drought and the invasion by the Gutians.
đ Legacy of the Akkadian Empire
The final paragraph reflects on the historical significance of the Akkadian Empire as a pioneering model for future empires. It acknowledges the empire's role in setting a precedent for imperial governance and its impact on the development of civilization. The paragraph concludes with an invitation for viewers to continue following the series on Mesopotamian history and a call to action for support through subscriptions, Patreon, and merchandise purchases.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄMesopotamia
đĄUruk
đĄEarly Dynastic Period
đĄKing Lugalzagesi
đĄAkkadian Empire
đĄSargon of Akkad
đĄElam
đĄTrade Routes
đĄNaram-Sin
đĄGutians
đĄCurse of Akkad
Highlights
The first true Sumerian city at Uruk and its influence on the wider Near East.
The Early Dynastic Period of 2900 to around 2350 BC marked the rise of other Sumerian polities like Ur and Lagash.
King Lugalzagesi's unification of southern Mesopotamia.
The ascension of the Akkadian Empire and its subsequent fall.
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King Lugalzagesi had many vassal kings or governors known as Ensi under his suzerainty.
Ur-Zababa, the King of Kish, was a central character in the epic that was to come.
The story of an illegitimate son placed in a basket and floated down the Euphrates river.
The young man, future Sargon of Akkad, was appointed cup-bearer by Ur-Zababa.
Sargon's rise to power, possibly involving the deposition of Ur-Zababa.
Sargon's conquests leading to the creation of the first true Empire.
Sargon's victory over Lugalzagesi and the symbolic act of washing his weapons in the Persian Gulf.
The religious legitimization of Sargon's reign through the blessings of Enlil and the city of Nippur.
The Akkadian Empire's control over Sumer and Akkad, and its borders with Elam and Mari.
Sargon's trade expansion, including goods from Dilmun, Magan, and Meluhha.
The use of religion by Sargon to legitimize his reign and the appointment of his daughter Enheduanna as high priestess.
Sargon's secular methods of control, including the use of native Akkadian governors or maintaining local rulers.
Rimush's suppression of rebellions and his attack on Elam.
Manishtusu's expedition along the Persian Gulf and the acquisition of silver mines and diorite quarries.
Naram-Sin's reign, bringing the Akkadian Empire to its territorial height.
Naram-Sin's naval expedition against Magan and the securing of valuable trade routes.
Naram-Sin's claim of divinity and the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin.
The collapse of the Akkadian Empire after Naram-Sin's death, possibly due to a drought and Gutian invasion.
The Curse of Akkad, a poem providing a religious explanation for the Empire's fall.
The significance of the Akkadian Empire as a benchmark and blueprint for future empires.
Transcripts
In the previous video in our series detailing the history of Ancient Mesopotamia we discussed
the first true Sumerian city at Uruk and its influence on the wider near east. The first
city eventually lost its hegemony over the region and the resulting growth of other Sumerian
polities such as Ur and Lagash began the Early Dynastic Period of 2900 to around 2350BC.
As the third millennium BC went on, intermittent border conflicts between the many Sumerian
city-states gave way to centralisation efforts, which eventually led to King Lugalzagesi unifying
southern Mesopotamia. In this video we will move on and cover the ascension of the Akkadian
Empire and its subsequent fall.
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By 2350BC the realm of king Lugalzagesi had reached its peak; he had many vassal kings
or governors - known as Ensi - under his suzerainty. One of these vassals was Ur-Zababa, the King
of Kish, who would be a central character in the epic that was to come.
Around the same period, it is said that a high priestess placed her illegitimate son
in a basket and floated it down the Euphrates river. Eventually, the young child washed
up on the shore and was retrieved by Akki - the chief gardener to Ur-Zababa, King of
Kish. This man took the young boy as his own son and appointed him as one of the gardeners,
responsible for the clearing and cleaning of irrigation canals. He reports that, during
one day of work, the goddess Inanna came to him and granted him her favour. Meanwhile
Ur-Zababa had a dream, and because of this, appointed the young man - the future Sargon
of Akkad - his cup-bearer. One of their responsibilities was to pour
drinks for the king and therefore appointees had to be trustworthy, so as not to poison
the king. Cup-bearers also generally had great influence due to their intimate position near
the ruler. What happened next is unclear, but it is said that Ur-Zababa had a dream
of himself being drowned by Inanna in a river of blood, while Sargon gained favour with
her. Consequently, he first attempted to have Sargon killed by his chief smith, fearing
his increasing favour from Inanna. He then sent the young man to Lugalzagesi so that
he might kill Sargon. The next portion of the inscription is missing, but Sargon is
King of Kish when it next becomes legible, presumably having deposed Ur-Zababa. The legitimacy
of this origin story is questionable, but his humble beginnings in the tale were likely
an attempt to ingratiate himself with the common people of Sumer and Akkad, in contrast
to the wealthy elite who had ruled the cities previously.
From this new base of power in Kish, Sargon - otherwise known as Sharru-Kin, âThe Legitimate
Kingâ - began to forge the first true Empire that the world had yet seen. His first conquests
were to the south, where he won 34 battles, conquering the Sumerian cities of Ur, Lagash,
Umma and others - supposedly defeating 50 Ensi (lesser rulers) on the way.
He finally marched upon the city that Lugalzagesi had taken as his capital - the ancient first
city of Uruk, and vanquished it in battle, capturing Lugalzagesi as he did so. After
pressing further south and reaching the modern Persian Gulf, then known as the âLower Seaâ,
he performed the symbolic act of washing his weapons in that body of water, an act symbolising
the conquest of the furthest point south in Sumeria. The victorious Sargon then marched
north once again and led Lugalzagesi to the gates of Enlilâs temple in Nippur, where
he was probably executed. At this point the upstart king performed an
action which once again highlights the role of the gods in ancient Mesopotamia. In return
for the dedication of celebratory monuments in the city of Nippur, Enlil and the religiously
significant Nippur granted their blessing to the new Sargonic Dynasty, continuing the
traditions of the Early Dynastic Period. The burgeoning Akkadian Empire now controlled
Sumer and Akkad, from the Lower Sea to the area just north of the narrowest point between
the Tigris and Euphrates. The new nation bordered Elam to the east, with its capital at Susa,
and Mari to the northwest - further up the Euphrates.
To the north and west of this new Akkadian Empire, the realms of Ebla and Mari had been
involved in intermittent conflicts with one another for decades. These powerful and established
states blocked Akkadian expansion northward for the moment, and instead their attention
turned to the east and to trade. After returning back to his new capital at
Akkad, Sargon prepared another expedition in around 2,330BC. During this campaign he
subjugated and incorporated the Elam capital of Susa briefly into his realm, though its
Awan Dynasty continued to be a threat, moving to the more distant city of Anshan, from which
it menaced lower Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf region.
The Empire now directly controlled areas from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean, and
the flourishing trade it attracted included plentiful goods from faraway lands. Ships
from âDilmunâ, modern day Bahrain, brought copper, tin, ivory and timber, all of which
were lacked in southern Mesopotamia. From âMaganâ, modern day Oman, came copper
and Diorite - an igneous rock used for sculpture. Most exotic were the traders of Meluhha, who
brought pearls, carnelian [carnâeelian] and silver, as well as animals such as elephants,
monkeys and buffalo. Many Mesopotamian kings for centuries after would use goods from exotic
trade to show their power, likely influenced by Sargon.
In order to legitimise his reign further, the upstart Sargon used religion in a wise
and prominent way. He consistently reiterated that, rather than gaining the Empire himself,
the gods had instead given him the Empire. Moreover he installed his daughter, Enheduanna,
to the position of high priestess at the Temple of Nanna in Ur. She authored several beautiful
hymns to the gods, packed with emotion and imagery.
Her occupying this position would have had several benefits. Ur was one of the wealthiest
Sumerian cities, with much of this wealth likely being tied up in the templeâs holdings,
now under the control of the Emperorâs daughter. This would have also been effective at preventing
rebellions in the proud old city, due to the desire of the residents not to upset their
god by harming their high priestess. To assert control in a more secular manner,
Sargon either introduced native Akkadian governors into conquered cities or maintained the local
native rulers in order to ensure their loyalty and their contribution of taxes, which were
either siphoned away to the capital, or funded the local bureaucracy. In around 2280 BC,
after 56 years of rule, Sargon perished and his son Rimush took the throne in Akkad.
In the ancient world, the period between the death of one ruler and the consolidation of
power by their successor was a good time for rebellion, and this was true even in the very
first Empire. Upon the death of Sargon the Great, the cities of Sumeria, including Ur,
Lagash, Umma and Kazallu rebelled under mutinous Ensi. Rimush put the revolts down, but then
another wave of rebellion broke out a few years later. This later series of uprisings
were probably initiated and supported by Elam as revenge for the repeated Akkadian invasions
and victories over them. After Rimush successfully gained control of
Sumer once again, he attacked Elam and its allies, winning a decisive battle between
Susa and Awan. After nine years of rule from 2279 to 2270 BC, Rimush passed away, and was
succeeded by his brother Manishtusu. Instead of attacking inland, this new warrior king
led an expedition beyond the lower sea along the coast of the Persian Gulf, attacking the
Elamite cities of Anshan and Shirihum. He successfully gained access to the rich silver
mines and diorite quarries in the region beyond Susa on the Iranian plateau, bringing much
of the plunder back to Akkad. After fifteen years of rule, Manishtusu died and was succeeded
as Emperor by his son - Naram-Sin. Unlike his father and uncle, the grandson
of Sargon the Great was a great and powerful ruler in his own right, bringing the First
Empire to its territorial height. This warrior-king, like his two predecessors, had to brutally
put down rebellions against his unpopular dynastyâs rule before he could begin to
govern effectively. This done, he marched into the region of Elam
and consolidated Akkadian control of the region up to the Barahshi border. Susaâs Awan Dynasty
was subjugated by treaty to Naram-Sin at this point but they disappeared from the sources
soon after, replaced by the Emperorâs own officials. It is possible that the King deemed
it simpler to just eliminate the native dynasty in order to maintain control of this established
realm. Naram-Sin next embarked on a naval expedition
against the lands of Magan - modern Oman. He did not set out to conquer the land, but
returned with significant war loot and the glory of his victory. Also noted is the task
of securing the valuable trade routes to this region, in which he was successful.
With affairs to his south and east relatively stable, and although rebellions would continuously
occur in the Sumerian cities, Naram-Sin marshalled his forces and thrust north and west up the
Euphrates. After conquering the kingdoms of Ebla, Mari and Armanum in modern day Syria,
the Akkadian Empire now controlled lands from the Lower Sea to the Upper Sea, whilst also
subduing many nomadic steppe tribes on the Imperial periphery to his will.
At this time, the Emperorâs daughter Taram-Agade [aâgaâday] was married to a ruler in the
Syrian region, likely for diplomatic purposes. After these glorious victories and the attainment
of his empireâs pinnacle of power, Naram-Sin claimed divinity for himself. This is shown
in one of the oldest remaining monuments of the period, now located in the Louvre in Paris
- the Victory Stele [steeâlee] of Naram-Sin. In this representation, the eponymous emperor
stands broad compared to the rest of the soldiers also portrayed, and wears a horned helmet,
which were usually reserved for deities. From this stele, it is clear that the victory is
primarily due to the fact that the Emperor is a god himself. Despite these achievements,
the Akkadian Empire would begin to suffer a series of problems and would soon collapse
under its own weight after Naram-Sinâs death in 2218 BC.
The last true ruler of the first Empire in history was Naram-Sinâs son - Shar-Kali-Sharri.
Problems which had originated in his fatherâs reign quickly mounted and eventually shattered
the empire, which had begun only a century earlier, culminating in the overrunning of
Sumer and Akkad by the Gutians to the east. The poem known as the Curse of Akkad, written
centuries after the events had occured, attempted to provide a religious explanation for the
Empireâs fall. It stated that Naram-Sin had angered the chief god Enlil by plundering
his temple at the sacred city of Nippur. In punishment for this, Enlil had repaid the
destruction of his âEkurâ, or mountain temple, by destroying the Akkadian capital
city and sending Gutians from the Zagros mountains to invade. Many of these events did indeed
occur, but this explanation is not nearly enough to explain the fall of the first empire
the world had yet seen. Instead, many scholars argue that a drought
of apocalyptic scale was responsible for the fall of Akkad and many other civilisations
of the time - such as the enigmatic Indus Valley Civilisation and the New Kingdom of
Egypt. The core of the theory states that outside of the region of Sumer and Akkad,
many of the Imperial subjects relied on regular rainfall for their agricultural production,
rather than irrigation. A severe decline in production led refugees south into the Akkadian
core in hopes of greener pastures, which put massive strains on a system which was already
creaking under the weight of constant rebellion and increasing Gutian raids.
Moreover, it is possible that the increase in Gutian attacks was a result of displacement
from their homeland as a result of the drought. By around 2150 BC, the Gutians swept down
from the mountains in force, defeated the army of the Akkadian rump state and established
a dynasty of their own. Whether the decline and fall of the Akkadian
Empire was due to gods, invasion or drought, it is clear that the existence of this empire
was a landmark moment in history. It provided a benchmark and a blueprint for all empires
to follow and was the first time that an empire, the most popular form of government in the
history of the world, had risen.
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