1. based on the Conrad-Demarest Model of Empire
Empire Building
based on the
Conrad-Demarest Model of Empire

2. Conrad and Demarest
1984 – published their model for understanding empire in Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansionism
The model proves useful for understanding the rise and fall of empires throughout world history

3. Preconditions for Empire (Ingredients)
State-level government
High agricultural potential of the environment
An environmental mosaic
Several small states with no clearly dominant state
Mutual antagonism between several small states
Adequate military resources

4. The Catalyst - building an ideology
Personal identification with the state
Empire
Conquest
militarism

5. Major Results of Empire
Economic rewards reaped in the early years and redistributed to the elite and sometimes the citizenry
Population increases often supported by the government and its ideology

6. Empires Fall Because… Expansion and conquest exceed practical limits
Failure to continue expansion and conquest erodes faith in the government and its ideology
Rebellions topple the empire

7. What Greece looked like before Alexander came along . . .
Greek city-states joined together for Olympics and when threatened by outsiders
Wealth from trade
Cultural developments
Greek city-states fought amongst themselves when not threatened

8. What Alexander had going for him . . .
Inherited a strong centralized government from his father
Abundant food supply & agricultural potential
Close to Greek city-states that were fighting amongst themselves
Military resources

9. Rewards for Alexander the Great
Economic strength
Wealth, trade, food supplies and natural resources
Population increase
Ideological support
Conquered people benefit
Begin to support Alexander
Greek culture spreads

10. Alexander’s Empire 323 BCE

11. Why did Alexander’s empire fall?
Why do you think Alexander’s empire fell?

12. Why did Alexander’s empire fall?
Lost support of his troops
Too far from home
Lack of supplies
Continued to conquer & troops had no hope of returning home
Unable to control conquered territory
too far away and not enough man power
No heir prepared to take over