The Akkadian Empire was one of the world's first empires, emerging around 2334 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. Founded by Sargon of Akkad, it united various city-states under a centralized government. The empire is known for its advancements in language, art, and architecture, as well as the spread of the Akkadian language, which became a lingua franca in the region. At its height, the Akkadian Empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to parts of modern-day Turkey and Iran. It played a crucial role in the development of trade and cultural exchange in the ancient world. The empire eventually declined due to internal strife and external pressures, leading to its fall around 2154 BCE.