Powerful Empires Shape the World

Between 1200 and 1450, large empires grew across Afro-Eurasia and the Americas, setting the stage for the modern world. These empires, like the Mongol, Song, Mali, and Aztec, brought new forms of government, culture, and technology.

Key Features of Empires

• Centralized Authority: Rulers used bureaucracy and military force to consolidate power.
• Trade Networks: Empires controlled and protected trade routes, boosting wealth and cultural exchange.
• Cultural Diffusion: Conquered regions often blended their traditions with those of the empire, leading to vibrant, diverse societies.

Real-World Connections

Modern countries still show the influence of historic empires in their borders, languages, and cultures. The spread of religions like Islam and Buddhism was often linked to imperial expansion.

Why It Matters

Understanding how empires grew and interacted helps explain why our world looks the way it does today.