Early Empires | Quizlet

What is Michael Doyle's (1986) definition of an empire?

A relationship, formal or informal, in which one state controls the effective political sovereignty of another political society.

Why is archaeology important in studying empires?

It provides material evidence that can fact-check biased historical records and reveal everyday impacts of empires.

What are the two main types of imperial control?

Territorial (direct, military) and hegemonic (indirect, influence-based).

What are the three key archaeological indicators of empire? Smith and Montiel (2001)

1. imperial capital

2. domination of territory

3. international influence

What archaeological feature indicate ideology in imperial capitals?

Monumental art and architecture showing militarism and state glorification.

What is "forced nucleation" in imperial contexts?

Moving rural populations into centralized towns for easier control.

What kind of infrastructure is often lacking in hegemonic empires?

Provincial infrastructure - hegemonic empires invest minimally outside the capital.

What is imperial propaganda in the archaeological record?

Public monuments, carvings, or buildings glorifying rulers or military success.

How can tribute systems leave archaeological traces?

Through increased agricultural features like terraces and irrigation.

What is the role of local elites in hegemonic empires?

They are often co-opted to manage provincial areas as client rulers under imperial control.

What differentiates an empire from a state?

The diversity of its people(s) and territories.

In much of the world, what have empires and their legacy profoundly impacted?

Economy, culture, political boundaries and technology.

How does a territorial empire differ from a hegemonic empire?

A territorial empire depends on military conquest and direct control, whereas a hegemonic empire exerts influence beyond its core zone though diplomatic relations and client states.

Akkadian Dynasty

Territorial empire

Ur III Dynasty

Hegemonic empire

Uruk period

We don't know whether it was hegemonic or territorial.

The earliest historically (i.e. textually) attested territorial/imperial expansion dates to which period?

Early Dynastic period (Lugal-zagezi)

Tax collection in central locations is characteristic of which empire?

Ur III Empire and Akkadian empire

How do we know which Mesopotamian ruler commissioned which building?

They stamped the brick with their name.

What must an empire do to cross the Augustan Threshold?

Rely on institutions and bureaucracies

Which were the capitals of Assyria?

Assur

Kar-Tukulti-Ninurta

Nimrud

Khorsabad

Nineveh

Who lived in Assur?

Assur, Assyrians, Dead kings of Assyria

The Assyrians used deportations as a way to punish the populations they conquered.

False.

Which river served as vital waterway for the Sasanian Empire?

Tigris

Which trade route was significant for the economic activities of the Sasanian Empire?

Silk Road

According to archaeological evidence from Eastern Arabia, what significant economic trend occurred in the region between the first and seventh centuries CE?

A marked economic decline, with fewer settlements and limited monetization.

Why did Sasanian rulers choose Ctesiphon as their main administrative and ideological center?

It was well-established Parthian capital with strategic access to Mesopotamian trade routes.

What was the primary function of Weh-Andiyog-Husraw in the Sasanian metropolis of Ctesiphon?

It was a commercial hub populated by deported carftsmen from Antioch.

When did 'Rome' start to exhibit clear imperial qualities as identified by Smith and Montiel?

From the foundation of the Republic in c. 509 BCE.