–in Lothal, Indus Valley Civilization.
24thth and 23rd centuries BCE: The Akkadian Empire
–At its peak (2300s–2280) pursuant to the conquests of King Sargon of Akkad (d. 2280 BCE).
Fuller span: 2334–2083 BCE; sometimes regarded as the first manifestation of empire in history; stretched from the Mediterranean at the northwest (modern day Syria) to the Persian Gulf in the southeast (modern day Kuwait). Hurrian kingdoms to the northeast; Elam kingdom to the southeast.