Ακκάδ, also known as Akkad, was an ancient city located in Mesopotamia, near modern-day Baghdad in Iraq. It was the capital of the Akkadian Empire, which emerged around 2334 BCE under the rule of Sargon of Akkad. The city played a crucial role in the development of early urban civilization and is known for its contributions to language, culture, and trade. The Akkadian Empire was the first to unite various city-states in Mesopotamia under a centralized government. The Akkadians spoke Akkadian, a Semitic language, and their influence spread throughout the region, impacting subsequent cultures and empires, including the Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations.