Pre-modern Empires and Modern Empires

What was the determining characteristic of pre-modern empires? By “determining characteristic” I mean the trait that to your mind all empires shared. Was it trade and exchange? What it technological innovation? Was it military prowess? How did this characteristic shape the way empires grew and maintained themselves? Select three from among the various empires discussed in Smith, et al, chapters 14-15, and then talk first about their history and development and then second about how they expanded and/or maintained themselves over the centuries. Essays should be at least 1,000 words in length. Essays should have at least four citations from the text. Essays will be graded on the logic and coherence of the argument, their utilization of the text, and on the command they display of the assigned readings and video documentaries.

Book

Bonnie Smith, et al, World in the Making: A Global History, volume 2: since 1300