Four Empires of Mesopotamia
The Akkadian Empire
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Sumer was a land of independent city-states. Then, around 2300 B.C.E.,the Akkadians conquered the land. The Akkadians were led by a king named Sargon. Sargon became the first ruler of the Akkadian Empire. Sargon was a strong king and a skilled general. He created his empire through powerful military strategies. Sargon used his military skills to win territory for his empire. After defeating the king of the city-state Uruk, Sargon controlled all of Mesopotamia, including Sumer. To keep control of his empire, Sargon used smart political strategies. Sargon died of old age. He and the Akkadians created the world's first empire.
The Babylonian Empire
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For a time after the fall of the Akkadians, Sumer was once again a collection of city-states. The next ruler to unite all of Mesopotamia was a king named Hammurabi. Hammurabi was the king of Babylon, a small city-state in central Mesopotamia. The region under his rule became known as Babylonia. Hammurabi is best known for his code of laws which he wrote from 1792 to 1750 B.C.E. .He based the laws not just on him but on the word of the gods. Hammurabi's code was very detailed. It covered many situations, such as trade, payment for work, marriage, and divorce. The code spelled out punishments for stealing, causing injury, and other crimes. Yet Hammurabi's code was an important achievement.
The Assyrian Empire
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The next great empire in Mesopotamia was created by people called the Assyrians. Assyria lay to the north of Babylon. They had briefly had their own empire before being conquered by Hammurabi. They rose to power again him toward 900 B.C.E., when a series of rulers began training them for war. With their trained army, the Assyrians began to expand their territory. They made entire populations conquered areas. The Assyrian spread tales of their cruelty far and wide. Creating fear among their enemies was part of their military strategy.
The NEo-Babylonian Empire
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After the fall of Nineveh, the Babylonians regained control over Mesopotamia They established a new empire, the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The new empire's most famous king was Nebuchadrezzar II. A ruthless military leader, he reigned fom 605 to 562 B.C.E. He drove Egyptians out of Syria. He also conquered part of Canaan (present-day Israel), the home of the Hebrews. Many of them never returned to their homeland. As a military leader, Nebuchadrezzar knew it was important to keep his capital city, Babylon, safe. He created an inner wall and an outer wall around the city. Towers were placed on the walls for archers to stand on. Finally, a moat was dug around the outer wall and filled with water.
Also learn about the empires in this video.