Who was the first emperor in the world?

It is believed that the world's first emperor was Sargon the Great, whose Akkadian Empire spread over the Mesopotamian area around 2250 B.C. The empire's capital was Akkad, though the city would later be known as Babylon.

The land over which Sargon ruled was massive—extending from the Mediterranean Sea in its western-most regions and as far north as the Black Sea. In total, the Akkadian Empire covered approximately 800 miles.

Because Sargon and his armies were able to overtake Sumeria, his empire was able to expand its cultural influence. The Sumerians are credited with establishing the first written language, the first library, the first irrigation system, and the first wheel.

Sargon ruled for more than 35 years. The empire he established lasted for more than a century.