Akkad was the seat of the Akkadian Empire (2334-2218 BCE), the first multi-national political entity in the world, founded by Sargon the Great (r. 2334-2279 BCE) who unified Mesopotamia under his rule and set the model for later Mesopotamian kings to follow or attempt to surpass. The Akkadian Empire set a number of "firsts' which would later become standard.
More about: Akkad and the Akkadian EmpireDefinition
Timeline
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2334 BCE - 2279 BCESargon of Akkad (the Great) reigns over Mesopotamia and thus creates the world's first empire.
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2334 BCE - 2218 BCEThe Akkadian Empire rules Sumer.
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c. 2330 BCESargon of Akkad sacks Ur.
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2261 BCE - 2224 BCEReign of Akkadian king Naram-Sin.
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c. 2240 BCENaram-Sin of Akkad campaigns against the Amorites in northern Syria.
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c. 2220 BCE - c. 2150 BCEThe Akkadian Empire dominates Mari with military governors called Shakkanakku serving as rulers.
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2218 BCE - 2047 BCEThe Gutian Period in Sumer.
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c. 2200 BCEThe Hattic King Pamba repulses the campaigns of Sargon's grandson, the Akkadian King Naram-Suen.
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2193 BCEGutian invasion destroys Akkadian empire.
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c. 2150 BCEThe Akkadian Empire falls, Mari gains independence.
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c. 2083 BCEFall of Akkad to the Gutians; the end of Akkadian Empire.
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c. 2083 BCE - c. 2050 BCEThe Dark Age of Mesopotamia.
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c. 2055 BCE - 2047 BCEUtu Hegal's reign over Sumerian and Akkadian cities.
