What achievement is Sargon of Akkad known for?

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Study for the University of Central Florida (UCF) WOH2012 World Civilization I Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare to excel in your exam!

Sargon of Akkad is best known for his achievement of uniting the people of Mesopotamia. He is often regarded as the founder of the Akkadian Empire, the first empire in history, which he established around 2334 BCE. Sargon's military conquests and political strategies allowed him to bring various city-states of the region under a central authority, effectively creating a more cohesive political structure in a time when Mesopotamia was characterized by independent city-states.

This unification fostered trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas across a larger area than had previously been the case, significantly influencing the development of civilization in the region. Under his rule, Akkad became a major cultural and economic center, which laid the groundwork for subsequent empires in the area.

Other options, while historically significant in their own right, do not accurately represent Sargon's main accomplishments. The construction of pyramids is associated with ancient Egypt, while the establishment of the Hittite Kingdom occurred much later and was separate from Sargon's contributions. Cuneiform writing predates Sargon and was developed by the Sumerians, so while he may have used it, he did not invent it.