Empires and Beliefs
Teacher Resources
Driving Question: How did the emergence of portable belief systems affect how people lived and support new types of networks among them?
The rise of extensive regional empires and portable belief systems reshaped life around the world. During this period, portable belief systems emerged, which took beliefs and religions beyond a single geographic place. Portable belief systems moved from place to place through trade, migration, and warfare. This movement of ideas often involved syncretism, as different belief systems blended and merged into something new. Empires played a large role in these processes. Empires arose across Afro-Eurasia, linking societies from the Mediterranean to China and reshaping life for communities living within and outside empires. The Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty are geographically distant empires that ruled vast regions around the same time. Comparing them allows us to examine what they shared, and what set them apart.
- Understand and evaluate the definitions of belief systems and empires.
- Use close-reading skills to evaluate and analyze the spread of belief systems during this era and how these beliefs influenced human communities and the formation of societies and empires.
Empires and Belief Systems (600 BCE to 700 CE): Unit 4 Overview
Key Ideas
-
Guiding Questions
-
Before you watch
Before you watch the video, it’s a good idea to open and skim the video transcript. And always read the questions below so you know what to look and listen for as you watch!
While you watch
- How does Duke Xiang of Lu’s capping ceremony connect to belief, empire, and life today?
- How did belief systems begin to change from about 3,000 years ago?
- What elements of Confucianism made it popular in China and where did this belief system spread?
- How did empires use belief systems?
- How were Han Dynasty China and the Roman Empire similar?
After you watch
- This video uses the examples of Han Dynasty China and the Roman Empire to show the connections between empire and belief systems. Can you think of any modern examples of how governments or rulers have used belief systems to maintain order or promote harmony?
-
Guiding Questions
-
Note: For more detailed directions on completing the three close reads below, refer to the Three Close Reads – Introduction activity.
Skim
Before you read, you should quickly skim the article, by looking at the headings of each section and the charts. Read the questions below as well, so you know what to look for when you read!
Key Ideas
- How did the transition from nomadic foraging to settled life in cities affect communities and networks?
- How did the shift from local belief systems to universal religions impact networks?
- What is syncretism?
- Explain how empires emerged as a solution to ruling diverse communities. How did empires differ in their treatment of conquered people?
- How were the Roman Empire and Han Dynasty similar? How were they different?
Evaluate
- The author claims that political instability in empires stemmed from some parts of the population being treated better than others. Does this hold true for issues facing our society today? Why or why not?
