UNIT 4, LESSON 8 So what DOES it take to be an empire? A look at global patterns, examples, and non-examples

How do we describe different types of human societies How do we describe different types of human societies? What terms do we use, and where does “empire” fit?

Society The community of people living in a particular country or region and having shared customs, laws, and organizations.

Civilization Larger groups of people living together in one place in more complex societies with social hierarchies, specialization of labor, etc.

City-state A city that, with its surrounding territory, forms an independent state. In other words, a city-state is a city that has its own power structure and identity and is not controlled by a larger body like a country.

Kingdom A society with defined borders that is controlled by a monarch that often uses force and military leadership to rule. Kingdoms have strict social hierarchies. Kingdoms could be small or large, but did not typically extend across different cultural and geographic regions.

Empire This is one way to define empire: An empire is a group of states (organized societies) and peoples (ethnic groups) that span a large geographic area and are united and ruled by a central authority… either a monarch/emperor or an oligarchy (small group). Empires frequently use organized militaries to expand and maintain their territory, and they included different cultural and geographic regions.

So... what does it take to be an empire? Next, we will go through a series of slides that will provide clues about some important ingredients for empire. Other possibly helpful documents: Student handout 2: Thinking about Empires from lesson 1 Empire comparison organizer from lesson 2

Clue #1 Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? Militarism From lesson 1: Once students identify armies, you can explain that militarism is the belief or desire of a government or people that a strong military is important and necessary, and that it should be used aggressively in the perceived interests of the nation. Empires had militarism then, a strong belief in their army and the use of force, and that helped them prepare to conquer other peoples. Without a strong army and a belief that it should be used, empires probably would not have developed.   Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? What does it have to do with empire? Could you have an empire without this? What did you already learn about this?

Militarism The belief or desire of a government or people that a strong military is important and necessary, and that it should be used aggressively in the perceived interests of the nation. Without a strong army and a belief that it should be used, empires probably would not have developed.

Clues #2 & 3 Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? What does it have to do with empire? Could you have an empire without this? What did you already learn about this? Geographic luck/river valleys/civilizations Trade routes

Location etc. Geographic luck River valleys Civilizations

Clue # 4 Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? What does it have to do with empire? Could you have an empire without this? What did you already learn about this? Spread of global belief systems… philosophies and world religions

Spread of global belief systems Philosophies World religions

Clue # 5 Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? What does it have to do with empire? Could you have an empire without this? What did you already learn about this? Emperor with ultimate authority

Emperor with ultimate authority Strong central control of government Strict obedience by subjects Almost god-like authority in some cases---divine right

Clue # 6 Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? Advanced technology, like iron smelting---we might also think about how this connects to militarism Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? What does it have to do with empire? Could you have an empire without this? What did you already learn about this?

Advanced Technology Iron smelting etc. (How does this connects to militarism?)

Clue # 7 Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? Extensive trade with other societies AND the infrastructure that is needed to support this---like roads. Turn and Talk: What do you think this “ingredient” is? What does it have to do with empire? Could you have an empire without this? What did you already learn about this?

Extensive trade with other societies Also the infrastructure that is needed to support this---like roads.

Examples of Empires

Rome over time 390 BCE 100 BCE

So Basically…. Empires rose and fell during Era 3. The centers of power shifted, but the same areas were fought over and ruled by different groups. New empires often conquered and/or absorbed existing ones… they didn’t start from scratch (for example, Persia conquered Assyrian territory; Alexander conquered Persia, and Rome briefly controlled parts of the old Persian Empire). Over time, the center of power in Afroeurasia shifted westward with the Roman Empire. Other parts of this story included the development of more trade and exchange, the mixing of societies, and cultural diffusion of beliefs, values, and religions.

Feedback Loop of Empire… More people and more resources Need for central control and government Development of armies, government systems, taxes, etc. Need for more people and resources to maintain army and power Conquest and trade At what point might this cycle break down? Why would an empire fall? What problems might develop? 24

EMPIRES Did not start from scratch and developed over time Had strong leaders with powerful armies that gained land through conquest. Developed systems and bureaucracies to manage people and resources. Built roads and expanded trade networks, connecting people and sharing ideas. Had established religions, but also often allowed other religions to be practiced. Declined for different reasons, but often because of conflicts over power.