1
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Before empire, there was a cupbearer.

2
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In the rival city-states of Mesopotamia, Sargon rose from servant to strategist.

3
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Legend whispers of a river-born youth; history records a commander who seized Kish, defeated Lugalzagesi, and forged the Akkadian Empire.

4
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Canals, tribute, and roads bound lands once at war.

5
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Scribes pressed his name in cuneiform—the first name of empire.

6
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From humble origins—an empire that reshaped the Near East.