What was the first empire on Earth?

The first known empire on Earth is often considered to be the Akkadian Empire, which emerged around 2334 BCE in Mesopotamia, under the rule of Sargon of Akkad. This empire unified various city-states in the region, establishing a centralized government and expanding its territory through military conquests. The Akkadian Empire is significant for its advances in administration, culture, and trade, setting a precedent for future empires in history.