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Comparing Ancient Empires

Driving Question: Why did some states grow into empires?

What makes an empire successful? Why do empires decline and fall? By examining and comparing different empires over time, we can begin to see the characteristics shared by successful empires and those that led an empire to decline.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Analyze characteristics of empires to identify what made them successful.
  2. Use causation skills to decide which factors will lead to the decline or fall of an empire.
  3. Use quick-sourcing skills to evaluate how governments maintained power and how different societies interacted with each other through networks of exchange.

Vocab Terms:

  • bureaucracy
  • cosmopolitan
  • meritocracy
  • republic
  • satrapy
  • tribute
STEP 1

Opener: Comparing Ancient Empires

STEP 2

Empires Around the World

During this period, several large, important empires emerged around the world. In these activity and articles, you’ll compare them and identify similarities and differences in the way they rose, ruled, and collapsed.

STEP 3

Closer: Comparing Ancient Empires

The empires in this lesson declined and collapsed thousands of years ago. Still, many of their contributions continue to influence our world. In this activity, you’ll consider their legacy.

Extension Materials
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Develop a deeper understanding of ancient empires through a writing exercise and an exploration of ancient primary sources.