2.2., 2.3 Development of states and empires and systems of trade during the classical period

Classical Period and empires By 500 CE the world’s first empires had collapsed, however many structures and belief systems created during this time exist in our modern world Areas of focus: Similar themes including conquering competing states for land, how to govern and protect borders, great huge bureaucracies (government agencies in charge of implementing policies), military Persia China India Greece Rome Mesoamerica Andean region-South America

Rise and Fall of the Persian empires Modern day Iran 6 th century BCE rulers set out to expand territory of Persia in a large series of conquests. For over a thousand years, these four empires maintained continuous imperials rule in Persia Achemenids BCE Seleucids BCE Parthians (247 BCE-224 CE) Sasanids CE

The Sasanids Ruled from CE Provided strong rule while establishing a strong system of administration and rebuilding cities Known for their engineering skills; built a large network of roads and dams Crops: cultivated rice, sugarcane, citrus fruits, eggplant and cotton Conquered by the growing Islamic Empire in 651

Social Systems Social Structure consisted of warriors, priests and peasants Followed a semi-nomadic lifestyle Bulk of Persian society consisted of free individuals who did not enjoy privileges of clan leaders and important government officials

Mesoamerica and Andean South America Developed near a region of smaller rivers and streams near the ocean No knowledge of the wheel; did not have large domesticated pack animals; the llama of the Andean Mountains was the largest animal in use; thus people had to use manual labor for all work, construction and agriculture Olmecs and Maya were known for their elaborate pyramids and temples (polytheistic) Social Structure: Rulers and priests were on top of society, commoners, peasants and slaves were at the bottom of society

Maya Location: Yucatan Peninsula (height 300 CE) Developed a system of writing based on pictographs Understood value of zero Accurate calendar Political structure: city states ruled by kings, were often in conflict. Prisoners of war became slaves or human sacrifices

Trade in the Classical Period Silk Road Connected Mesopotamia to China Later extended to include the Mediterranean world Central Asian herders were often facilitators Traded goods, beliefs, technology and disease Indian Ocean Included as part as the Silk Road (sea lanes) Chinese pottery, spices and ivory from India and Africa Involved areas such as China, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Persia Used seasonal monsoon winds

Trans-Saharan Use of the camel/camel saddle to facilitate trade

Key terms for test Socrates Plato Cicero Consuls Aristotle Aryans Ashoka Alexander the great Maurya Dynasty Gupta Dynasty Qin Dynasty