Final answer:
Sargon of Akkad is known for creating the world's first true empire around 2340 BCE by conquering and uniting Mesopotamian cities and establishing a model for future empires. He is remembered for his rise from humble origins to a powerful ruler who instituted a standing army and administrative practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who is Sargon of Akkad?
Sargon of Akkad is known for building one of the world's first empires and effectively ruling it. Sargon the Great, as he is also known, managed to conquer and unite many Mesopotamian cities around 2340 BCE, creating an empire by merging the regions of Akkad and Sumer. This marked the beginning of a new era in the Near East, where the idea of an empire, as opposed to independent city-states, took hold. Sargon's empire lasted for about a century and a half. Additionally, he established the world's first standing army and enacted administrative techniques that would serve as models for subsequent empires in the region.
Sargon's humble beginnings as an illegitimate child who rose to greatness is part of his enduring legacy. His story of ascent from a royal gardener to a powerful king has been inspirational, depicted in the Legend of Sargon. As an emperor, Sargon of Akkad appointed governors to rule the cities he conquered and focused on wealth generation for his capital, Akkad. Despite the eventual collapse of his empire due to internal resentment, his rule left an indelible mark on Mesopotamian politics and culture.