Answer the questions in the form of a well-organized, clearly argued, evidence-based, grammatical, multi-paragraph essay.
1. What evidence can be found to support the view that the idea of empire, including techniques for supporting imperial power, was diffused from a first true “empire” in Achaemenid Persia into Rome, Maurya India, and Qin China? Are you convinced by this evidence or do you think it is more likely that empire arose independently in all or some of these centers?
2. Compare and contrast the use of religion in political messaging in three of the following regions: The Nile Valley, the Olmec region of Mesoamerica, Persia, Anatolia, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and China. How did rulers in each reason use religious messages (visual or written) to enhance their power? Cite specific examples of rulers and evidence.
3. From about the 6th century, the Mediterranean was divided into zones dominated by Greek Orthodoxy, Arabic Islam, and Latin Christianity. What features did these cultural zones share and what connections and/ or conflicts developed between them?
