37 Overview: The Rise of Large Land Empire Civilizations

This chapter introduces students to the large land empires that emerged in Afro-Eurasia between 500 BCE to 500 CE: the Roman Empire, the Qin-Han Dynasty in China, and the Mauryan-Gupta Empires in India. In examining these three civilizations, we will consider the cultural factors that shaped imperialism in these three states and vice versa. In addition to sorting historical events related to all three land empires, students will also demonstrate their knowledge of these civilizations by identifying key items from the chapter in the third module quiz. Finally, the weekly Discussion Board response asks students to consider the extent to which the aforementioned civilizations implemented political systems based on self-rule or state regulation.⁽¹⁾

Chapter Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Sort events in historical order related to ancient Roman, Chinese, and Indian civilizations.
2. Identify the historical developments that led to the rise and fall of the Qin-Han Dynasties, Roman Empire, and Mauryan-Gupta Empires.
3. Identify artistic, architectural, economic, legal, and political forces that shaped Chinese, Roman, and Indian civilizations between 500 BCE to 500 CE.
4. Identify major Roman, Chinese, and Indian figures and their achievements.
5. Examine the extent to which cultural innovation defined Roman, Chinese, and Indian civilizations.⁽¹⁾