Final answer:
Sargon was a skilled general and emperor who created the first true empire, appointed governors for territorial administration, and established a permanent army. There is no evidence that he forced uniform language and religion across his empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sargon's achievements as an empire builder are numerous and significant. He is considered to have been a good general and a wise ruler of his empire, establishing the first true empire by uniting the Sumerian city-states under the rule of Akkad. To manage his vast empire, Sargon appointed governors to help control conquered lands, ensuring that his authority was maintained across different regions. Additionally, Sargon established a permanent army, an innovative move that provided him with a ready and professional military force, setting a precedent for empires to come. This army included 5,400 soldiers who ate at his palace, indicating the size and importance of this military apparatus.
Concerning the statement about forcing all groups to adopt the same language and religion, there is no conclusive evidence supporting this claim. Sargon did undoubtedly conquer a vast territory that included diverse peoples and cultures. However, while the Akkadian language became widely used, it appears that conquered peoples were not forced to adopt a uniform culture, language, or religion; instead, there was a degree of cultural assimilation and blending, with Sargon's Akkadian empire absorbing and adapting Sumerian culture and mythology.