Empires and Belief Systems
Teacher Resources
Lesson Guide
Find lesson timing, sample answers, teaching tips, and important teacher instructions.
PD Event: Rediscovering Ancient Ways
As you gear up to teach about the ancient world, check out these highlights from our PD event with the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures on object-based learning.
Driving Question: How was the emergence of portable belief systems connected to empires in this period?
The rise of extensive regional empires and portable belief systems reshaped life around the world. With the emergence of portable belief systems, beliefs and religions could travel beyond one geographic place. New empires arose across Afro-Eurasia, linking societies and spreading belief systems from the Mediterranean to China.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how portable belief systems and empires were connected during this period.
- Evaluate the continuities and changes that took place as portable belief systems spread and impacted communities and networks.
Vocab Terms:
- empire
- persecute
- philosophy
- portable
- syncretism
Ancient empires built monumental symbols of the religions they embraced. In this quick activity, you’ll match the symbols to the societies that built them as you consider the connections that link religion and empire.
Sacred Symbols
Agree or disagree? Evaluate some statements before you dive into Unit 4—then see how accurate you were when you get to the end of the unit.
Preview questions: Give students all the video comprehension questions in advance or highlight anything you want them to focus on in advance to help orient their attention. (Note that students will be prompted to preview the questions and transcript for all videos on the OER Project site.) If you’re looking for closed captioning or subtitles in other languages, you can watch all our videos on the OER Project YouTube channel.
Throughout this unit, you’ll see empires grow and belief systems rise. This video and article will help you find the connections linking the two.
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Guiding Questions
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Before you watch
Preview the questions below, and then review the transcript.
While you watch
Look for answers to these questions:
- How does Duke Xiang of Lu’s capping ceremony connect to belief, empire, and life today?
- How did belief systems start to change 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
Respond to this question: Can you think of any modern examples of how governments or rulers have used belief systems to maintain order or promote harmony?
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Guiding Questions
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Before you read
Preview the questions below, and then skim the article. Be sure to look at the section headings and any images.
While you read
Look for answers to these questions:
- 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 China similar? How were they different?
After you read
Respond to this question: How is social hierarchy linked to political instability? Use evidence from the article to support your answer.
Ancient empires often used religious strategies to gain and maintain power. In this quick activity, you will read a brief excerpt from one emperor and think about his religious strategy.
A great way to improve your own writing skills is to evaluate writing samples. In this activity, you’ll use your own writing or a sample essay to evaluate the use of analysis and evidence.
