In the Intro to Part 2, Strayer mentions that the first three chapters of this upcoming section focus on the Eurasian/North African civilizations of the second-wave era (500 b.c.e.-500 c.e.). "Chapter 3 introduces them by examining and comparing their political frameworks and especially the empires that took shape in most of them" (101).
Empires are defined as states, political systems that exercise coercive power. Strayer states, "Frequently, empires have given political expression to a civilization or culture, as in the Chinese and Persian empires" (106).
The Persian Empire, in 500 b.c.e. was the largest and most impressive of the world's empires. Centering on an elaborate cult of kingship, the Persian Empire had many elaborate imperial centers, reflecting their large wealth and power. On the other hand, the Greeks had a smaller empire. "The total population of Greece and the Aegean basin was just 2 million to 3 million, a fraction of that of the Persian Empire" (110). Environmentally, the Greek civilization experienced deforestation and soil erosion.
In Chapter 3, Strayer also compares Roman and Chinese empires. Both invested in public works such as roads, bridges, aqueducts, canals, and protective walls (123). Roman and Chinese empires were able to enjoy long periods of relative stability and prosperity due to supernatural sanctions supporting their rule. Both empires had effective centralize control over large populations, but more so the Chinese than the Romans. They both had effects on the environment as well. For example, the earliest example of international atmospheric pollution originated during these Roman times.
At the end of the chapter, Strayer states, "Lively debate about the continuing relevance of these ancient empires shows that although the past may be gone, it surely is not dead" (135). I thought this was really interesting and can relate to many aspects of history.
Empires are defined as states, political systems that exercise coercive power. Strayer states, "Frequently, empires have given political expression to a civilization or culture, as in the Chinese and Persian empires" (106).
The Persian Empire, in 500 b.c.e. was the largest and most impressive of the world's empires. Centering on an elaborate cult of kingship, the Persian Empire had many elaborate imperial centers, reflecting their large wealth and power. On the other hand, the Greeks had a smaller empire. "The total population of Greece and the Aegean basin was just 2 million to 3 million, a fraction of that of the Persian Empire" (110). Environmentally, the Greek civilization experienced deforestation and soil erosion.
In Chapter 3, Strayer also compares Roman and Chinese empires. Both invested in public works such as roads, bridges, aqueducts, canals, and protective walls (123). Roman and Chinese empires were able to enjoy long periods of relative stability and prosperity due to supernatural sanctions supporting their rule. Both empires had effective centralize control over large populations, but more so the Chinese than the Romans. They both had effects on the environment as well. For example, the earliest example of international atmospheric pollution originated during these Roman times.
At the end of the chapter, Strayer states, "Lively debate about the continuing relevance of these ancient empires shows that although the past may be gone, it surely is not dead" (135). I thought this was really interesting and can relate to many aspects of history.
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