Akkadian Empire

State · 2,300–2,101 BCE · at its largest around 2,250 BCE

First empire to unite Akkadian- and Sumerian-speaking Mesopotamia, founded by Sargon of Akkad and expanded by his grandson Naram-Sin.

On its lands while it lasted

Eridu (c. 5,400–600 BCE): Regarded by the Sumerians as the first city; its temple to the god Enki was rebuilt many times from the Ubaid period onward.
Uruk (c. 5,000 BCE – c. 700 CE): Sumerian city on the Euphrates that by about 3100 BCE was probably the largest city in the world, centre of the first urban civilization.
Anshan Persia (4,000 BCE – 675 CE): Capital of Elam (2700 BCE–601 BCE).
Thebes (3,200–801 BCE): Capital of Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2000 BCE–1782 BCE), New Kingdom of Egypt (1500 BCE–801 BCE).
Tyre (2,750–501 BCE): Capital of Phoenicia (1150 BCE–501 BCE).
Assur (2,500–609 BCE): Capital of Assyria (1800 BCE–901 BCE), Neo-Assyrian Empire (900 BCE–609 BCE).
Enheduanna (c. 2,285 BCE – 2,250 BCE): High priestess of the moon god Nanna at Ur and daughter of Sargon of Akkad, she is the earliest known author identified by name.
Babylon (2,201 BCE – 1 CE): Capital of Babylonia (1800 BCE–601 BCE), Neo-Babylonian Empire (600 BCE–539 BCE), Achaemenid Empire (550 BCE–330 BCE).