ABSTRACT
The area of Akkad is now that of central Iraq, while Assyria is in north-central Iraq and Babylon is in southern Iraq. These three kingdoms were all of Semitic ancestry and supplanted the previous Sumerian kingdoms of southern Iraq in 2350 BCE, when Sargon of Akkad conquered them. His dynasty lasted approximately until 2000 BCE, and was eventually supplanted by the Old Babylonian Dynasty (2000-1763 BCE). Over a period of hundreds of years, the Assyrian dynasties came to dominate Iraq, and eventually most of the Near East between 746-607. Their domination was followed by that of the New Babylonian Dynasty (626-539 BCE), known best for its part in taking the people of the Kingdom of Judah (the Jews) into captivity. The New Babylonian Dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Persians.
