Lesson #31 - The Conrad-Demarest Model of Empires
We'll use what we've learned about Rome to make some comparisons with the early empires of India and China. To do that, we'll introduce a historical model.
Examining Empires: The Conrad-Demarest Model
Anthropologists Geoffrey Conrad and Arthur Demarest are probably most
well-known for their studies of early American civilizations. In their
work, they have described a model for empires that bears their names.
The Conrad-Demarest Model describes the conditions that the authors
feel are necessary for an empire, as well as the factors that can lead
to its downfall. We're going to look at Rome and the early empires of India and
China to see how well they fit the model. Later, we'll attempt to
determine what we can learn from the model about other empires.
First, let's see how what we know about Rome fits the model. Here is a description of the Conrad-Demarest Model
that you will be using. Work on your own or in small groups to try to match as many of
these specific characteristics and factors with information from our study of Rome. I'll give you a while to do this, and then we'll discuss what we've found.
To record key points from our discussion you should download a Conrad - Demarest Comparison of Empires matrix.
Next, we'll divide into two groups: India and China. Chapter 7 will be very useful for your work today. If you are "India," you'll be looking at the Mauryan and Gupta Empires. "China" will be looking at the Han Empire. (NOTE: The India group can look at both empires: Mauryan and Gupta. Maybe mark information "M" of "G" so you know which empire you are talking about.)
Your job is to find information that fits with the criteria from the model. Jot down relevant notes from the material on "your" empire(s). We'll see where you are at as the hour comes to a close. We'll do more with this information tomorrow in class.
HOMEWORK for tomorrow - Wednesday, January 4th
Remember that you received all three of the Chapter 7 reading quizzes to
take home with you over break. That means you won't have an "in-class" quiz tomorrow either.
