Naomi+K


 * __What Makes an Empire?__**

Rafael Lefort is a game designer who wants to create a new //Age of Empires//-style video game for Han China and Imperial Rome. To help Mr. Lefort decide which features of each empire he should travel back in time to visit and include in his game, you'll need to research each dynasty and present your key findings on the following questions:

= **Key Questions:** =
 * 1) What is the difference between an ‘empire’ and a ‘civilization'?
 * 2) What are some of the major similarities and differences between the Roman Empire and Han Dynasty?
 * 3) Why are the Han Dynasty and Roman Empire important to World History?

=Resources= Your research will be confined to the following web resources and library databases. If you wish to use a resource not on this list you must seek approval from your teacher.

**Rome**
 * []
 * []
 * []
 * __[]__
 * __[]__


 * China **
 * []
 * __[]__
 * __[]__
 * __[]__
 * __[|http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CHEMPIRE/FORMHAN.HTM]__
 * __[|http://www.international.ucla.edu/asia-archive/lessons/zarou/WSHan.ht]__

I found this source- __http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/history/chin.htm__


 * Library Databases **
 * @http://www.micdslibrary.com/databases.html

Scroll down to the History/Social Studies menu; the ABCCLIO Ancient World History database is particularly helpful.

=Research and Citations= Use the space below to record your research for each question. Remember that you will need to cite your sources using the format found on the MICDS Library resource page.

=== What is the difference between an ‘empire’ and a ‘civilization'? The difference between an empire and a civilization is great, and though an empire is a civilization in it's unique way, why are they different anyway? An empire is a civilization of force, both the Han Dynasty and Ancient Rome were empires, conquering lands that were not originally in their country. They travel to lands where a civilization has already started and attempts to conquer that area. Normally a war erupts between the empire and the home civilization, other times a land/country will surrender and no war occurs. This happened while Alexander the Great was creating his empire. An empire's leader is called an emperor, some efficient, while others not. Many emperors abused their power, so their job for life was often shortened-many were murdered. Only men could be emperors, while in some other civilizations, women could rule as well. Other civilizations would have kings, pharaohs, tyrants, oligarchs, etc. Emperors could only survive if his people believed that they could conquer everyone else. One person loses faith, and the emperor would be in trouble. Like a chain reaction, one unsatisfied person would make another, and soon the entire army would be unsatisfied. When the entire army feels lost, there is no way the emperor can piece it back together. A civilization can be conquered by an empire, but an empire cannot be conquered by a civilization. === === What are some of the major similarities and differences between the Roman Empire and Han Dynasty? The Roman Empire and Han Dynasty were both powerful empires. They had several amazing technology advances and inventions that we still use today. For example, the Chinese in the Han Dynasty invented the wheel barrow, kite, compass, chain pump, and silk making machines, just to name a few. The Romans created and aqueducts, buildings, arches, advanced roads,and other technological developments that are still standing today. Ancient Romans also invented our modern day calender (by Julius Caesar), days of the week, and a system of government that is still used today. There are many countless inventions and time changing creations the Romans made, those were only a few. One of ancient Rome's aqueducts is still transporting water from a nearby water source to present day Rome. (This isn't major, but) Both the Chinese in the Han Dynasty and in Imperial Rome, the father was considered the head of a family. ===

=== Why are the Han Dynasty and Roman Empire important to World History? When Rome crumbled, it was considered the end of the Ancient World, an opening to a new century and era. In other words, Rome began during B.C.E. and ended in C.E. The Roman Empire also brought many technological advances. The history of any civilization is important to world history, each one has its own story to tell, but these two empires have more than just those to share. The Chinese has influenced much of the modern world. One type of the Japanese characters are the same as those used in China for centuries, and also have the same meaning. Chinese art, cooking, inventions,culture, and people have been widely spread around the world. The Chinese has influenced many cultures around the world. Same for Rome. Rome culture, technology, art, and architecture is used around the globe throughout the timeline of C.E. Though Roman people are not common today, their spirit and knowledge lives with us. Architectural influence of Rome have been even used in the White House! Rome was also a powerful empire. 2,000 years ago, 1 out of every 4 people died under Roman rule! ===

Similarities and Differences
Before deciding which dynasty your client should visit, you may wish to create a simple Venn Diagram to compare/contrast the two empires. You may use [|this template] or create one online at Read-Write-Think.

===  Which features of each empire should Mr. Lefort travel back in time to visit and include in his game? Why? Mr. Lefort should visit the Great Wall in China built during Emperor Qin's rule. The Great Wall of China extends over the width of the United States itself! The Great Wall was built man made, and those that were defiant and didn't work would be punished severely. According to legend, those that died while working on the Great Wall would be buried within it. The Great Wall was built to keep out enemy civilizations, especially the Mongols, and was built about 7~9 feet high, high enough that horses could not jump over it, and people had to climb over it-defenseless and weak without any weapons that they could carry over the Wall. The Chinese on guard would send smoke signals to warn the others and the Chinese army. Mr. Lefort should also visit Emperor Qin's tomb. Inside the tomb is an army of 6,000 terra cotta warriors. These warriors were only found on March 1974, countless centuries after they have been built. Researchers and Historians were examining them and strangely found that no two were the same. In Rome, he should visit the forum, the market place of Rome. The forum has many temples and monuments of Rome, a sight that not one person will get tires of seeing. Full of buildings, it is sure a sight. Mr. Lefort should also visit the colosseum. The colosseum was one of the most impressive buildings in all of Rome and also probably one of the most biggest buildings of that time. ===

= **Travel Poster Components:** =

You will create a travel poster for each of the two empires. Each poster should be attractive, persuasive, and highlight the major features related to your topic. You will create the posters using Glogster.edu (instructions will be provided in class) and they should contain the following components:

__**Travel Poster Components**__ >
 * 1) One Glogster.edu poster for each empire
 * 1) At least three "must see" tourist features to include in the game for each empire that characterize what it means to be an empire with detailed text and relevant images
 * 2) At least one audio recording for each empire

The **[|Poster Rubric]** will be used to evaluate your work; you should refer to it before handing in your final product. When you have completed the poster, embed it below the "Travel Poster" heading below:

Travel Poster
//embed your poster here by copying the embed code from Glogster and adding an HTML widget//

= **Oral Presentation Guidelines** = The presentation is your opportunity to explain the importance of Han China and Imperial Rome and should follow these guidelines:


 * 1) Less than 3 minutes in length
 * 2) Should address/explain the "must see" features of each empire that should be included in the game
 * 3) Should explain why each empire is important to world history

This presentation is about speaking skills and the use of your poster. You will be permitted to use notecards but are NOT to simply read your notes to the audience. The **[|Presentation Rubric]** will be used to evaluate your work; you should refer to it before giving your final presentation.