Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Akkadian language was a Semitic language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia. It served as the lingua franca (common language) during much of the Bronze Age and was used for administrative, diplomatic, and literary purposes.
Related terms
Cuneiform Tablets: These clay tablets were used to write down texts in Akkadian and other languages using cuneiform script.
Epic of Gilgamesh: One of the most famous literary works written in Akkadian, this epic poem tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king.
Semitic Languages: A family of languages including Hebrew, Arabic, and Amharic that share common linguistic features with Akkadian.