Final answer:
The first empire in world history was the Akkadian Empire, founded by Sargon of Akkad around 2300 BCE. It was the first instance of regional powers being united under one ruler and marked the beginning of a new era in Mesopotamian history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first empire in world history was the Akkadian Empire. This empire was established by Sargon of Akkad around 2300 BCE. The rise of the Akkadian Empire marked the end of the era of independent Sumerian city-states and initiated a new period of regional powers consolidated under a single ruler. As the founder of the Akkadian Empire, Sargon of Akkad created what is recognized as the world's first-known empire, expanding the empire's reach to include all of Mesopotamia and press into regions such as Syria and Anatolia. The Akkadians adopted many aspects of Sumerian culture, adapting the cuneiform writing system to their Semitic language and merging their deities with those of the Sumerians.