Classical Era SPRITE Graphic Organizer

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Timelines from HyperHistory.com (http://www.hyperhistory.com) Instructions Make bulleted points for each one of the following categories. Be sure to address ALL parts of each category: Social Examine the social/cultural conditions of each empire with a focus on the roles of women, peasants, and the social elite (Ex: Caste System of India). Political Examine the political organization of each empire with a focus on government structure (Ex: the Polis/City-States of Greece), major political ideas (Ex: China’s Mandate of Heaven, democracy in Athens), and the role of bureaucracy. Mention important political figures (Ex: Wu Di of the Han), too. Religious Examine the role of religion in each empire. You should know what religions were present and whether they played a role in government. Pay special attention to influence of Christianity in Rome and Buddhism in India & China. Intellectual Examine the intellectual movements in each empire. Sometimes these movements will be related to a major religion, such as Buddhism in Mauryan India. Pay special attention to the philosophical/scientific focus of China vs. the Mediterranean. Be sure to mention specific intellectuals. Technological Examine the technological innovations of each empire, including the movement of technology from one area to another (Ex: transfer of Chinese technologies to other parts of Asia, including Japan) Economic Examine the economies of each empire, with a focus on trade routes and the social status of merchants. Critical Thinking Questions: Food for Thought! How does the political structure of India differ from China? What would this mean for long-term unity in both regions? Why were the vast empires of Rome and Han China able to outlast other massive empires, such as the Hellenic empire carved out by Alexander the Great? Where would Mediterranean intellectuals such as Plato and Aristotle agree with Eastern intellectuals such as Confucius? How would they differ? What characteristics unite the less centralized cultures of Greece and India? What were some of the positive results of long-term political stability in China and Rome? What impact would this have on religions like Christianity and Buddhism? In what ways would trade serve to further encourage the expansion and centralization of major classical empires?