Question

the akkadian empire lasted for around 200 years. read the passage about the fall of the akkadian empire. then answer the question below. in the 1990s, archaeologists and other scientists used tools to dig up layers of ancient mesopotamian soil. the layers of soil showed that a drought hit mesopotamia around 2200 bce. that was right around the time the akkadian empire ended. many historians believe that the drought forced people in northern and western mesopotamia to move south. they moved into southern akkadian cities to find more water and food. but the people in the south couldnt grow enough food for everyone. the newcomers and original city inhabitants fought for resources. the fighting and lack of food led to the end of the empire. according to the passage, why might the akkadian empire have ended? the akkadian empire was cursed by the northern mesopotamian gods. a drought caused a shortage of water and food in the akkadian empire. southern mesopotamian cities were stealing water from northern cities.

Explanation:

The passage states that around 2200 BCE, a drought hit Mesopotamia near the end - time of the Akkadian Empire. The drought forced people to move south in search of water and food, leading to resource - fighting and food shortages which contributed to the empire's end. There is no mention of gods cursing the empire or southern cities stealing water from northern ones.

Answer:

A drought caused a shortage of water and food in the Akkadian Empire.