Akkadian Empire destroyed by catastrophic dust storm

Akkadia ruled a nation that spread from Iraq to Syria for a period of 200 years during the Bronze Age. And I believe that was the time period the Conan books were set in.

AN ADVANCED civilisation that ruled large swathes of the Middle East 4,000 years ago may have been wiped out by a spot of bad weather.

The Akkadian Empire flourished during the Bronze Age and new evidence suggests their sudden demise was brought about by catastrophic dust storms.



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The Akkadian Empire ruled parts of ancient Mesopotamia from the 24th to 22nd Century BC. This artist's impression shows Akkadian leader Sargon the Great leading his army along the coast road in Northern SyriaCredit: AlamyThese storms made it near-impossible to grow crops, triggering widespread famine, according to a group of researchers in Japan.
The Akkadian Empire ruled parts of ancient Mesopotamia in what is now Iraq and Syria from the 24th to 22nd Century BC.


Based in the ancient city of Akkad, the group rose to prominence through innovations in farming and irrigation.
However, they mysteriously abandoned their settlements around 4,200 years ago.