2. How Did Classical Era Trade Networks Compare To The Classical Era?

Key Concept 2.2 | The Development of States and Empires

1. What is an “empire,” and what were empires’ common characteristics during the Classical Era?
• An empire is a large, aggressive state that conquers other states, use their resources, and have multiple people and cultures together in a single political system (Prindiville Chapter 3 Notes). As empires were developing, they were almost constantly fighting with each other for land or power, as they wanted to rule the most land, contain the most people, obtain the most resources, and be the most powerful. These powerful empires contained powerful militaries, organized rulers, and different ideas of class.
2. How did the number and size of Classical empires compare to the Ancient Era?
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How did Classical era trade networks compare to Ancient era networks?
• Larger empires maximized long distance trade due to the demand for raw materials and luxury items. Because of this trade routes developed over land and sea to link various parts of the east. Some of the routes that formed were the Silk Roads, the Trans-Saharan caravan routes, and various sea lanes.
16. What forces contributed to the changes between the two eras?
• The larger societies increased the demand for foreign goods not available in that region to be imported. There was also a desire to have the new technologies other regions had available. As religions developed peopled yearned to spread them and expand them throughout civilization.
17. What was commonly traded along these trade networks?
• Various food crops, domesticated animals, and technology were spread across these trade routes. However, it was not just material things that spread, people moved to new areas and civilizations for hope of different or improved life, or they may move to spread religious and cultural beliefs. This is how many of the world’s major religions became as large and powerful as they are today.
18. How did trade and communication networks develop by 600