1. The 6 Themes of Empire Building (Notes)
The 1st Age of Empires
The 6 Themes of Empire Building
(Notes)

2. First: Create a Notebook Title page for Ch 4 - like below Title: The First Age of Empires B.C.
Section 1: The Egyptian & Nubian Empires
Section 2: The Assyrian Empire
Section 3: The Persian Empire
Section 4: The Chinese (Qin Dynasty) Empire

3. I. What is an Empire? …
An Empire is a political unit (like a country) in which a centralized government establishes control over previously independent people.

4. II. What makes for a successful Empire?
A successful Empire must run efficiently to control its diverse population and large territory.
To do this, it needs to have the Six Themes of Strong Empires / Empire Building:
Centralized Government
Leadership
Technology
Control of Land / The Conquered
Good Economy
Adaptability

5. 1. Strong Government Empires need strong governments = centralized.
A Centralized Government is where the power to govern & make laws is absolute – “in the center” and has control over each part.
An Example: the U.S. federal government (Congress, the President, & The Supreme Court) has power over the states – like raising (or lowering) your taxes.
Persia (skip 2 lines)

6. 2. Strong Leaders
Empire’s need strong leaders who are respected and can control the Empire.
 plan for the future & develop strategies to solve
problems.
 lead armies and win battles (protect the people).
Persia (skip 2 lines)

7. 3. Technology Persia (skip 2 lines)
Empires need to promote advanced technology:
Technology is is defined as ways in which people apply knowledge, tools, & inventions to meet their needs.
Technology gives you an advantage over your enemies. “he/she with the best toys wins!”
Technology improves a people’s standard of living.
Ex: Technology can also improve the productivity of labor causing workers to produce more goods (to trade or use) this improves your quality of life.
Persia (skip 2 lines)

8. 4. Control the Conquered Persia (skip 2 lines)
Empires need to control conquered lands & people!
Empires usually control people in one of two ways:
a) With an Iron Fist: through threats of harsh punishment or worse.
b) With Respect: through respecting native laws and customs.
Persia (skip 2 lines)

9. 5. Empires need a Good Economy
The Economy = All things money ($$ = power!)
When thinking economics, think key words like trade, resources, thriving cities, & jobs.
A good economy keeps the people happy, they have a job, enough food to eat, & can raise a family etc.!
When people are starving and are not secure they might as well rebel, why pay the taxes without any benefit?
Persia (skip 2 lines)

10. 6. Willing to Adapt
An Empire must be willing to adapt to new situations.
Problems will always come up – if you adapt you
survive!
How to find Adaptability in an Empire?
Your example should solve a problem – if it solved
the problem – it shows adaptability!
Adapt and overcome!
Persia (skip 2 lines)