1. What factors contribute to the development of an empire?
The Rise of Empires
What factors contribute to the development of an empire?

2. Strong, Central Leader
Rising empires are ruled by a strong central leader that oversees the entire empire.
The ruler must have firm control of the government and the military.
This ensures unity throughout the empire.

3. Territorial Expansion
Rising empires gain new territories.
Usually results from military conquest.
Mongol attack on China
Muslim conquest of Spain

4. Unification of Diverse Populations
Rising empires cohesively unite people from different ethnic, cultural or geographical backgrounds.
Empires can unify people under a common belief, ideal, or cause.

5. Cultural Diffusion
Rising empires diffuse their cultures’ scholarly ideas, art, religion, and traditions with new people and places.
This dispersion of culture commonly results from trade or military conquest.
Trade and spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road
Islam spreading along the Trans Saharan Trade Route