What was the first lingua franca?

It's difficult to definitively say what the first lingua franca was, as the concept of a lingua franca has existed for millennia. However, some strong contenders for the title include:

* Akkadian: This Semitic language, spoken in ancient Mesopotamia, served as a common language for trade and diplomacy around 2300 BCE. It was used by people from different regions and cultures who needed to communicate with each other.

* Koine Greek: This common Greek language, spoken in the Hellenistic period (323-146 BCE), became the language of trade, administration, and intellectual discourse throughout the Mediterranean world. It facilitated the spread of Greek culture and helped to unify the region.

* Latin: This Romance language, spoken in ancient Rome, served as a lingua franca throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. It was used for administrative purposes, legal proceedings, and literature, and it continued to be used in some regions after the fall of the empire.

Ultimately, the concept of a lingua franca is much older than any specific language. Throughout history, various languages have served as common means of communication for diverse groups of people. The term "lingua franca" itself is relatively recent, dating back to the 16th century.

Instead of focusing on a single "first" lingua franca, it's more accurate to understand the concept of a lingua franca as a recurring phenomenon throughout human history, with different languages serving as common languages in different times and places.