Draft:Gutian-Akkadian War

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Gutian–Akkadian War
Part of the decline of the Akkadian Empire
Date c. 2200–2154 BCE Location Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) Result Gutian victory Fall of the Akkadian Empire
Belligerents
Akkadian Empire	Gutians
Commanders and leaders
Various Akkadian rulers Notably: Naram-Sin (earlier phase)	Unknown Gutian chieftains (later: kings such as Erridupizir, Imta)
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Gutian–Akkadian War was a prolonged conflict between the Akkadian Empire and the Gutians, a tribal people from the Zagros Mountains, during the late 3rd millennium BCE. The war led to the collapse of the Akkadian state and the beginning of Gutian rule in parts of Mesopotamia.

Background

Founded by Sargon of Akkad in the 24th century BCE, the Akkadian Empire was the first known empire in history. Under Sargon and later his grandson Naram-Sin, the empire expanded and consolidated control over Sumerian city-states.

Following Naram-Sin's reign, the empire entered a period of decline due to internal unrest, rebellion, and environmental stressors such as drought. This created a power vacuum that the Gutians exploited.

Conflict

Beginning as a series of raids, the Gutian incursions escalated into full-scale invasions. By around 2154 BCE, they had captured Akkad and overthrown the ruling dynasty. Contemporary sources describe the Gutians as "uncivilized" and "destroyers of cities," though these portrayals may be biased by Sumerian scribes writing under later dynasties.

Gutian Rule

The Gutians established a loose dominion over parts of Mesopotamia, ruling for several decades. Their reign is often associated with political fragmentation and cultural decline, although historical records from this period are sparse.

Aftermath

Sumerian rulers, beginning with Utu-hegal of Uruk, eventually rallied forces against the Gutians. The final expulsion of the Gutians came under Ur-Nammu, founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur, marking the beginning of a Sumerian revival.

See also

• Akkadian Empire
• Gutians
• Third Dynasty of Ur
• Sargon of Akkad
• Naram-Sin

References

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