Sargon of Akkad
~2334–2279 BCE · Akkadian (Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq) · Ancient Mesopotamia, Bronze Age
Known for: Founded the world's first empire—the Akkadian Empire—unifying Mesopotamia 4,300 years ago
Sargon's origin story is legendary: supposedly placed in a basket on the river as a baby (like Moses), found by a gardener, and raised as a cupbearer to the King of Kish. He overthrew the king, conquered Sumer and all of Mesopotamia, and created the world's first empire.
He ruled for 56 years and fought 34 battles. His empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean. He was the first ruler to maintain a standing army (5,400 soldiers who 'ate bread before him daily').
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