Classical Societies, 600 B.C.E. – ca. 900 C.E
9.3 CLASSICAL CIVILIZATIONS: EXPANSION, ACHIEVEMENT, DECLINE: Classical civilizations in Eurasia and Mesoamerica employed a variety of methods to expand and maintain control over vast territories. They developed lasting cultural achievements. Both internal and external forces led to the eventual decline of these empires. (Standards: 2, 3, 5; Themes: MOV, TCC, GEO, GOV, CIV)
9.3a Geographic factors encouraged and hindered a state’s/empire’s expansion and interactions.
Students will examine the locations and relative sizes of classical political entities (Greece, Gupta, Han, Maurya, Maya, Qin, Rome) noting the location and size of each in relation to the amount of power each held within a region.
Students will investigate how geographic factors encouraged or hindered expansion and interactions within the Greek, Roman, and Mayan civilizations.
9.3b Empires used belief systems, systems of law, forms of government, military forces, and social hierarchies to consolidate and expand power.
Students will compare and contrast how the Mauryan, Qin, and Roman civilizations consolidated and increased power.
9.3c A period of peace, prosperity, and cultural achievements can be designated as a Golden Age.
Students will examine the achievements of Greece, Gupta, Han Dynasty, Maya, and Rome to determine if the civilizations experienced a Golden Age.
9.3d Political, socioeconomic, and environmental issues, external conflicts, and nomadic invasions led to the decline and fall of Classical empires.
Students will compare and contrast the forces that led to the fall of the Han Dynasty, the Mayan civilization, and the Roman Empire.
Classical Civilization Notes
Classical Civilization Project
Classical Civilizations Project Rubric
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