What happened when Sargon of Akkad took over the Sumerians?

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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!

When Sargon of Akkad took control of the Sumerians, his approach was one of absorption and integration rather than destruction. He recognized the sophistication and advancements of Sumerian civilization, including their writing, religion, and governance systems. By embracing and incorporating these elements into his own rule, Sargon created a more unified and stable empire that capitalized on the strengths of Sumerian culture.

This cultural integration allowed for the spread of Sumerian innovations, which continued to influence the region under Akkadian dominance. As a result, rather than erasing Sumerian identity, Sargon helped to build a foundation for future civilizations that blended both Sumerian and Akkadian cultural aspects, leading to a rich and diverse historical legacy in Mesopotamia.

Other choices suggest more negative actions, like destruction, enslavement, or forced relocation, which do not accurately reflect Sargon's strategies or the outcomes of his conquests.