Classical Civilizations – Political Developments

**I’m drawing heavily upon a presentation created by Richard Smart from Oakland

Mills High School

Classical Civilizations – Political Developments

The Dynasties and Empires

China Zhou QinHan

India MauryanGupta

Mediterranean City-States of

Greece Alexander’s

Conquests

Roman Empire

Political Developments in India, China, and the Mediterranean

Military conquest and

expansion of territory.

Political Developments in India, China, and the Mediterranean Central

government sponsored public works projects

Political Developments in India, China, and the Mediterranean Unified law code used throughout the

empires.

Political Developments-Qin & Han

Central authority controlled . . .

Appointment of governors

*Standardization iron, salt, and silk

trade religion

Expansion of bureaucracy

Education and examination system created a scholar gentry class of government workers.

Political Developments-Qin & Han

Mandate of Heaven Dynastic Cycle continued

INDIAN Political Developments-Regionalism of Mauryan & Gupta

“Independent” regional rulers

Caste structures maintained order

Diversity in religious beliefs and languages

Local trade relatively unrestricted

Political Developments in the Mediterranean – Central Authority

Emperor and Rome had authority

Military power kept stability

Upper class bureaucracy

Citizenship

Political Developments in Mediterranean-Regionalism like India Local rulers

maintained regional rule with Roman oversight

Diversity in religious beliefs and languages

Local trade relatively unrestricted – except for the trade of grains

Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in TWO of the following empires in the Classical period.

Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.)

Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.)

Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.)

2010 AP Exam-Comparative Essay