1. Empire Models Classical Period 500BCE – 600CE

2. Empire Model Questions What is the Conrad-Demarest Model of Empire? What are the limits of using models to understand history?

3. Pre-Conditions for Empire state level government high agricultural potential environmental mosaic several small states with no dominate power mutual antagonism between small states adequate military resources

5. Persian Imperial Example 4 empires ruled 558 BCE to 651CE Mesopotamian states ripe for conquest Environmental mosaic: mountains, valley plateaus, jungles, deserts, arable lands, bordered many seas Equestrian skills and horses Alfalfa fed to horses made them stronger

6. Persian Imperial Government Capital at Persepolis 23 regional satrapies appointed by emperor Locals appointed to serve satraps – not in you face control Audits by roving bands of government spies, military officers to keep regions honest Regulated taxes and standardized laws, coinage Built good roads for communication and control (courier service with horses – 1 week end to end of empire) Policy of toleration of local beliefs

7. State Ideology Supports: –Personal identification with the state –Belief in the empire –Military conquest to expand empire –Militarism Glorification of the ideals of a professional military class. Predominance of the armed forces in the administration or policy of the state. A policy in which military preparedness is of primary importance to a state.

8. Persian Imperial Example Continual expansion by conquest: Egypt, Anatolia, Thrace, Macedonia, Indus River Valley Zoroasterism and Darius Warrior class most important

9. Results of Empires Economic rewards Population increases

10. Persian Imperial Example Governed 35 million subjects Royal roads, peace, standardized coins fostered increased trade Regular taxes from satraps replaced intermittent tributes

11. Reasons for Downfall Overextension Failure to continue expansion undermines government support Rebellions

12. Persian Imperial Example Parthians rebelled against Seleucids Persian Wars vs Greek city-states Alexander the Great (Macedonia) Rome 280 CE and Rise of Islam 651CE