Classical Period
The expansion of empires and
integration of new peoples.
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Political organization
Demographics & Movement
Trade
Gender Roles
Belief Systems
Themes to Consider
Analyze the changes and continuities from
the ancient period to the classical period.
 Analyze the changes and continuities in
the spread of civilizations from 600 BCE to
600 BCE.
 Analyze the similarities and differences in
the major world religions of the time
period.
 Analyze the similarities and differences in
the rise and fall of empires this period.
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Questions to Consider
Periodization…up to interpretation
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1200 BCE
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1000 BCE
1500 BCE ____________
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1350 BCE ____________
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800 BCE ________________
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c500 BCE
c450 BCE ____________
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402 BCE
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322 BCE
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________________ 202 BCE
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221 BCE
330 BCE _______________
184 BCE
c100 BCE ____________
27 BCE _______________
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220 CE
________________ 300ff CE
________________ 320 CE
180 CE _______________
300ff CE _______________
476 CE _______________
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535 CE
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Analyze the similarities
and differences in two
empires during the
classical period.
Empires moved to expand and integrate
new peoples.
 Governments became more complex.
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India
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China
Expansion & Integration
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Greece
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Rome
Expansion & Integration
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Golden Age & Decline
Han
China
Analyze the changes and
continuities in human
migration from 600 BCE
to 600CE.
Human Migration: Bantu (1000BCE
to 500CE)
Impact of Iron
Migration patterns were related
to several important factors.
 Iron use begins 1500 BCE but its
impact is still felt in the classical
age.
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Population growth
Expansion of agriculture
Growth of cities
Expansion of civilization
Patterns of Settlement: Classical
Era
Classical Demography
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Spread of epidemic disease
◦ Smallpox, Justinian plague, etc.
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Population decreases dramatically
◦ Europe falls 50% between 200-600 CE
◦ Asia’s population falls from 170 to 135 million between 0600 CE
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Contributes to the decline of classical empires
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Trade is primary mean by which religion
spreads.
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Christianity emphasizes a missionary thrust.
Spread of Buddhism & Christianity
Analyze the changes and
continuities in trade
networks from 600 BCE to
600 CE.
Internal vs. External trade.
 Role of cities.
 Role of the environment.
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Major Trade Routes
Compare the role of
women in two classical
societies.
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Commonalities= patriarchies and
importance of class/caste.
Women
Analyze the similarities
and differences in the
major belief systems that
began in the classical
period.
The major philosophical systems and
religions that began during this period
addressed social problems, reflected
cultural values and integrated new
peoples into empires.
Hindu temple at Prambanan
Longmen Grottos, China
Jewish Helios, 6th c.
Landscape Painting by Tang Yin
The Crucifixion, 420 CE.
Analyze the similarities
and differences in the
expansion of civilization
outside of China, India
and the Mediterranean.
Olmec, Chavin, Maya
Japan
Polynesia
Axum/Ethiopia