Akkad was a city that came to dominate the region of northern Mesopotamia, situated on the west bank of the Euphrates. It reached the height of its power between the 24th and 22nd centuries BC, before the rise of Babylonia. The Akkadians were recognized as gifted warriors for their time, this reputation was probably attained for the Akkadians after the numerous conquests launched by King Sargon, who built the world's first empire.