Which king established an empire that included both Akkad and Sumer?

Sargon of Akkad is recognized for establishing one of the world's first empires, which included the regions of Akkad and Sumer in ancient Mesopotamia. This monumental achievement took place around the 24th century BCE. Sargon began his conquests by unifying the independent city-states of Sumer and subsequently extended his rule over the surrounding areas, thereby creating a centralized state. His empire is notable not only for its size but also for the administrative innovations he implemented.

Sargon's leadership and military prowess enabled him to consolidate power and influence in a region that had previously been characterized by fragmented city-states. His success in establishing a stable and expansive empire laid the groundwork for future Mesopotamian civilizations and significantly influenced the political landscape of the region.

The other figures mentioned, such as Nebuchadnezzar and Hammurabi, while important in their own rights, did not establish empires that encompassed both Akkad and Sumer in the early formative period marked by Sargon. Gilgamesh, though a significant historical and legendary character from the Sumerian city of Uruk, was not an empire-builder but rather a king associated primarily with early Sumerian mythology and literature.