The Akkadians, an ancient Mesopotamian civilization, flourished in the region from approximately 2300 to 2150 BCE. They established one of the world's earliest empires, known as the Akkadian Empire, under the rule of Sargon of Akkad. The Akkadians were skilled administrators, builders, and merchants, leaving a lasting legacy through their advancements in cuneiform writing, mathematics, and astronomy. However, the empire's power eventually declined due to internal conflicts and external pressures, leading to its downfall and the rise of new regional powers.