1. The First Empires
Empire: state containing several countries or territories
Independent city-states of Sumer fought each other for power in the fertile region
City-states had allies
Allies are independent city-states that work together to attain a military or political goal
City-states grew weaker because they spent too much time fighting each other
This situation led to Sumerian cities being conquered by external forces

2. The Akkadian Empire Akkadians lived to the northwest of Sumer
Spoke different language and had different customs
2300 B.C.E: King Sargon conquers Kish (Sumerian City)
Changed language
Akkadian Army conquered other city-states
Placed loyal Akkadians in government and religious positions
United Mesopotamia by placing cities under his rule
Sargon increased trade
Sargon appointed local rulers to control land
Sargon controlled Akkadian Empire for more than 50 years

3. The Fall of the Akkadian Empire
Sargon dies in 2279 B.C.E
Rebellions and invasions led the empire to collapse
Question: Why would some people want the end of the Akkadian Empire?
Write a speech from the point of view of a rebel who wanted Sargon’s rule to end. Identify the reasons why this rebel wants Sargon gone and create a powerful speech to convince people of your ideas.

4. PowerPoint 7 - The End