The Concept of War in Ancient Mesopotamia: Reshaping Carl von Clausewitz's Trinity

In this article, the author investigates concept of “war” during Akkadian period (ca. 2234–2154 BCE) through fragments and clay tablets that have remained from in history more than 4,000 years ago. Given special place divine realm took worldview, manifesting even everyday interaction, reworks well-renowned trinity Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz. The argues Clausewitz’s analysis war, which relies on main people, government, armed forces, is not applicable to beginning human Mesopotamia due specific circumstances societies then faced. method inquiry herein will be a textual scriptures relate campaigns Sargon, first ruler Empire, his reign constituting empire humankind, as well sources explain role religion historical epoch. Although many Sargon’s groundbreaking innovations—such establishing standing professional army, securing lines communication supplies, fortifying strategic positions—can analyzed purely descriptive way, focus article constructed relation pantheon, had direct influence way warmongering was perceived.