= Decline and Fall = (11)

Learn about the Akkadian Empire, Sargon I, and the fall of Sumer in Age of Empires IV's Decline and Fall.

The Akkadians, a Semitic people, settled north of Sumer along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. They quickly adopted the culture, religion, and writing of the more advanced Sumerians. In 2371 B.C., Sargon I seized the throne of Kish and gradually conquered all of Akkadia's city-states. He then turned south and conquered the Sumerian city-states, which were unable to unite in defense. Sargon established the first empire of history during his reign from 2371 to 2316 B.C., extending his control along the Fertile Crescent from Elam to the Mediterranean coast.

Sargon's empire collapsed after his death but was briefly restored by his grandson. Around 2230 B.C., the Akkadian empire was destroyed by an invasion of Gutians, described as barbarian hill people from the Zagros Mountains. New cities and towns soon grew up along the river valleys, but the Sumerians were gone as a distinct and independent culture.