Why do some historians consider the Akkadians the originators of the world's first empire?

Historians consider the Akkadians the originators of the world's first empire due to their establishment of a centralized state under Sargon of Akkad around 2334 BCE. Sargon's conquests unified various city-states in Mesopotamia, creating a politically and culturally cohesive entity that extended beyond local boundaries. This marked a significant shift from fragmented city-states to a more complex political structure, laying the groundwork for future empires. The Akkadian Empire's influence on administration, culture, and trade also set precedents for subsequent civilizations.