The Akkadians and agriculture
The Akkadians and agriculture
The Akkadians were an ancient Mesopotamian people who settled in the Mesopotamia region, corresponding to the current territory of southern Iraq, between the 24th and 21st centuries BC. Their history is notable because the Akkadians are considered to be the first major civilization in history.
The beginning of Akkadian history is marked by the rise of Sargon of Akkad. Sargon, a military commander, unified several city-states under his rule and founded the Akkadian Empire around 2334 BC. This empire, extensive and powerful, stretched from Mesopotamia to Syria and Persia.
The Akkadian Empire under Sargon and his successors experienced a period of prosperity and development. The Akkadians were skilled administrators and rulers, establishing a centralized system of government, with an efficient bureaucracy and legal system. They promoted trade and cultural expansion, leading to the spread of the Akkadian language as the lingua franca of the region.
Akkadian culture was influenced by several earlier Mesopotamian traditions, such as the Sumerian one. The Akkadians borrowed many aspects of the Sumerian civilization, such as the cuneiform writing system and the deities of the Sumerian pantheon. Under Akkadian rule, a rich literature developed, including epic poems such as the Epic of Gilgamesh.
However, the Akkadian Empire also experienced periods of instability and invasions by nomadic peoples from the steppes. About 2150 BC, the empire disintegrated and the Akkadian city-states were conquered by the Gutians, a people from the northern mountains. This event marked the end of Akkadian rule in Mesopotamia.
Despite the fall of the Akkadian Empire, Akkadian influence continued to linger in the region. The Akkadian language remained a language of communication and study for the next few centuries, and many Akkadian texts and knowledge were preserved and passed down from successive Mesopotamian civilizations.
In summary, the Akkadians were an important and influential Mesopotamian civilization, which established the Akkadian Empire and contributed to the political, cultural and administrative development in the region. Their story has left a lasting imprint on the history of the ancient Middle East.
Agriculture –
The Akkadians practiced agriculture essential for their survival and development. Agriculture was the basis of the Akkadian economy and provided food for the population as well as raw materials for crafts and trade.
Major crops grown by the Akkadians included wheat, barley, lentils, onions, garlic, figs, grapes, olives, and dates. Mesopotamia was a region rich in rivers, especially the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provided water for irrigation of the fields. The Akkadians developed a complex system of canals and irrigation ditches to ensure an adequate water supply for their crops.
The seasons influenced the agricultural cycle of the Akkadians. During the winter months, the fields were prepared for planting. Sowing took place the following spring, when the seasonal floods had receded and the fields were covered with fertile mud. Akkadian farmers used the ox-drawn plow to prepare the fields and the seeds were sown by hand.
After sowing, the farmers took care of irrigating the fields. They used canals, dikes and canals to direct water to their crops. This irrigation system required considerable organizational and engineering effort.
During the summer, Akkadian crops grew on irrigation and the heat of the sun. Farmers carefully monitored the conditions of the crops and took care of removing weeds, protecting the plants from pests and ensuring proper growth. The harvest took place in the autumn when the crops were ripe. Farmers used scythes or other tools to cut plants and harvest crops.
Once harvested, the grains were stored in community warehouses. The Akkadians had developed a sophisticated centralized administration to manage crops and distribute them equally among the population. Agriculture provided food for basic nutrition, but also raw materials for the textile industry, brewing and handicrafts.
Akkadian agriculture was critical to the survival of civilization. Without effective agriculture and a well-developed irrigation system, it would have been difficult for the Akkadians to thrive and build a complex civilization. Ancient Akkadian agriculture left a lasting imprint on history, influencing the agricultural practices of later civilizations in the Mesopotamian region.
Agricultural tools and artifacts –
The ancient Akkadians were noted for their remarkable advances in agricultural technology and manufacturing of artifacts. Some agricultural tools and artifacts used by the ancient Akkadians are listed below:
– Plough: The Akkadians used the plow to plow the fields. The plow consisted of a stone or metal blade attached to a wooden shaft, pulled by oxen or donkeys.
– Hoe: The hoe was a flat-bladed tool used to dig the earth around plants and to remove weeds. It was usually made of wood with a metal blade.
– Sickle: The sickle was a curved blade instrument used for harvesting cereals. It consisted of a sharp blade attached to a wooden handle.
– Millstone: The Akkadians used millstones to grind grain and produce flour. The millstones were made of stone and worked by rotating motion.
– Furnace: Furnaces were used for the production of ceramics and bricks. They were built with clay bricks and were heated by fire.
– Fabrics: The Akkadians were skilled weavers and produced wool, linen and cotton fabrics. They used looms to weave threads and made clothes, carpets and curtains.
– Ceramic utensils: The Akkadians produced a wide range of ceramic utensils such as vases, plates, jugs and bowls. These objects were used for the storage and consumption of food and liquids.
– Jewellery: The Akkadians made elaborate jewelery using materials such as gold, silver and precious stones. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings were some of the common items.
– Musical instruments: The Akkadians had a rich musical tradition and produced instruments such as the lyre, the flute, the drum and the zither.
– Wedges of clay: The Akkadians were famous for using clay wedges for writing. They wrote on clay tablets using a wedge-shaped stylus, which etched marks on the moist tablets.
These are just a few examples of the agricultural tools and artifacts used by the ancient Akkadians. Their culture and technology have left a lasting mark on human history.
Guido Bissanti