Final answer:
Akkadian rulers, along with other ancient empires, levied payments known as tributes from conquered peoples, which were a combination of goods, labor, or resources representing submission to a dominant power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Akkadian rulers, similar to other ancient empires, forced subjugated peoples to make payments known as tributes. These payments were often made in the form of valuable goods, labor, or resources, and they symbolized the subjugation of one group by a more dominant power.
For example, the Mesopotamian empires utilized these payments as a form of economic system where agricultural goods and other resources flowed into the central powers, and the Aztec Empire demanded specific tribute items from its provinces which included textiles, food, and labor.
Furthermore, throughout ancient history, it was common practice for conquered or vassal states to pay tributes to avoid military conflict or as part of diplomatic relations. The tribute system functioned not only as a means of demonstrating control but also as a crude form of economic exchange.