1. adorned- decorated

2. causeways- roadways across water or marshlands

3. conquered defeated in battle

4. empire a large area made up of many territories under one government

5. intricate complicated

6. metropolis a major city; a center of culture

7. momentous extremely important

8. sites places where things are located

9. tributes gifts given to those in power by people who have been defeated or who want protection

10. dynasty period of rule

11. sphinx a mythical creature often represented as having the head of a human and the body of a lion

12. ruins partial remains of a building

13. sacred holy, for religious use

14. offering a gift or contribution

15. splendor powerful, beautiful appearance http://eduplace.com/kids/hmr06/ewordgame/index.html?grade=6&theme=4&selection=1