The Akkadians
Contributed by Robert A. Guisepi and F. Roy Williams, University of California
Akkad and the Arts
Akkadian Period
Sargon of Akkad (reigned c. 2334–c. 2279 BC) unified the Sumerian city-states and created the first Mesopotamian empire, profoundly influencing the art, language, and political thought of his people. With the increasing Semitic influence in the population, loyalty to Sargon and his successors replaced the regional patriotism of the old cities. This new conception of kingship is reflected in artworks that exude secular grandeur, a contrast to the god-fearing art of the Sumerians.
Architecture
Although we might expect architectural changes corresponding to the shift in political power, this is not evident due to the lack of well-preserved excavated examples. The Sargonid dynasty played a role in reconstructing and extending many Sumerian temples (e.g., at Nippur). They also built palaces with practical amenities (e.g., Tall al-Asmar) and strong fortresses for imperial communication (e.g., Tell Brak, Syria). However, the surviving ruins are insufficient to suggest significant changes in architectural style or innovation.
Sculpture
Two remarkable heads of Akkadian statues have survived: one in bronze and the other in stone. The bronze head, likely of Sargon, is shown wearing the wig-helmet of the old Sumerian rulers and is considered one of the great masterpieces of ancient art. Though damaged, it remains a remarkable achievement (Iraqi Museum).
Another notable piece is the Akkadian stone head from Bismayah, Iraq (ancient Adab), which highlights the progression of portraiture beyond bronze.
In relief sculpture, a significant accomplishment is the famous Naram-Sin stela (Louvre), which represents an abstract depiction of conquest through a skillful arrangement of figures. Other stelae and rock reliefs, though less accomplished, bear witness to the vast extent of Akkadian conquests. Two striking fragments from the Iraqi Museum, found near An-Nasiriyah, Iraq, demonstrate the improvement in design and craftsmanship since the Sumerian period. One fragment depicts a procession of naked war prisoners, with finely observed anatomical details that are skillfully subordinated to the rhythmical pattern of the subject.
Cylinder Seals
Akkadian cylinder seals are another area where their craftsmanship excelled. The Akkadian seal cutters reached an unmatched level of perfection. Unlike their Sumerian predecessors, who produced tightly woven designs, the Akkadian artisans preferred clarity and careful spacing of figures.
The End of the Akkadian Dynasty
The Akkadian dynasty ended when northern Iranian mountain tribes overran the river valley. However, Lagash remained relatively unaffected and, under its famous governor Gudea, successfully maintained the continuity of Mesopotamian culture. The sculpture from this period (c. 2100 BC) represents a posthumous flourishing of Sumerian artistry. The statues of Gudea and other notable figures, discovered in the late 19th century, are among the finest examples of ancient Mesopotamian art.
The statues are carved from hard stone (usually diorite) and display superb craftsmanship. The musculature is carefully studied, and the use of inlay is not necessary due to the high quality of the carving. These statues convey a powerful sense of serene authority, exemplifying the artistic mastery of the period.
The Akkadian period marks a significant shift in the art and politics of Mesopotamia. While the Sargonid dynasty influenced the art world with its secular grandeur, the loss of the dynasty led to a brief but important revival of Sumerian artistic mastery, with works like the statues of Gudea preserving the tradition for future generations.
