The Akkadian dialects are a group of ancient Semitic languages spoken in Mesopotamia, primarily during the 3rd to 1st millennium BCE. They include two main varieties: Babylonian, used in southern Mesopotamia, and Assyrian, spoken in the north. These dialects evolved over time, influenced by regional cultures and languages. Akkadian was written using the cuneiform script, which was adapted from earlier Sumerian writing. The dialects played a significant role in the administration, literature, and trade of ancient Mesopotamia, making them essential for understanding the region's history and culture.