The last article discussed the “competitive” nature of the Sumerian city-states, and how they fought with one another, as well as dealt with outside invaders, often taking turns being the most powerful and influential of the group. For thousands of years, Sumerians had a distinct culture and language, but all of that would change thanks to the efforts of one man.
Sargon of Akkad
Since the founding of the first city-state, numerous Semitic tribes from Egypt and other parts of the Middle East migrated to Sumer, which they saw as the ancient equivalent of the United States, a “land of opportunity.” One man, named Sargon, who was descended from these people, who hailed from the city-state of Akkad, and who also possessed a high aptitude for administration, was appointed as a cupbearer, or a high official, for Ur-Zababa, the king of the city-state Kish.
As discussed already, one king often grew ambitious, and attempted to subjugate his neighbors by force. King Lugalzagesi, ruler of the city-state Umma, was one such man. He conquered Kish and killed Ur-Zababa, and then went on to conquer the neighboring city-states. In an inscription, Lugalzagesi refers to himself as “king of the Land [Sumer].”
Sargon’s motivation for what happened afterward may have been revenge, or ambition, but nevertheless, he raised an army and launched a surprise attack against the city-state of Erech, occupied by Lugalzagesi’s forces. He managed to defeat the garrison, as well as a force led by fifty provincial kings loyal to Lugalzagesi.
When Lugalzagesi returned and found Sargon had taken Erech, he immediately took to the field, and was defeated. Sargon proved to be a brilliant military tactician. After the battle, Sargon paraded the former king through the streets of Nippur, where the people spat on him in disgust.
The Conquest Continues
Sargon then went south, taking the city-states of Ur, Lagash, and Umma - Lugalzagesi’s former city, consolidating his hold on southern Sumer. Afterwards, he proceeded west, then slowly moved north, annexing more and more territory until he created an empire that spanned from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf.
Also, there is evidence that Sargon may have sent armies even further, to places like Egypt, Ethiopia, and India in order to expand his empire even more. After he concluded his campaign, he positioned garrisons at strategic locations throughout his possessions to quell any uprisings. It is important to note that many did not like having a Semite as their leader, especially one that had conquered them by force, so resentment ran high. In addition, Sargon appointed fellow Semites to positions of authority in order to ensure loyalty. His home, Akkad, became the greatest city-state in the coming years.
Subsequent tales romanticized these conquests, but like most stories of this nature, there are often large amounts of exaggerations involved; however, Sargon often carved inscriptions inside the temples in his conquered cities that detailed his exploits, and they were more accurate than the embellished accounts that followed.
Results
Before there was Alexander the Great, there was Sargon the Great, and like Alexander, Sargon’s death in 2215 B.C. would lead to much civil unrest and rebellion, as well as attacks from outside forces, preventing his descendants from truly creating a lasting empire.
However, Sargon's most important legacy would be Sumerian integration into the Semitic way of life.
Sources:
Kramer, Samuel Noah. The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1963.
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