Lesson 1: Learn The Art of Failure from the notorious Athenian Empire. How Not To Build An Empire! Throughout history empires have risen from the ground and have fallen back down. Specifically the greek empire, which was unlike previous Persian, Egyptian, and Babylonian empires, becaused it was not built through conquest or discovery, but rather trade. Furthermore they were extremely notorious for their fierce naval fleet and remarkable philosophers, however their greed and rapid power was inevitably their demise. The empire initially began in 479 BC, when the greek city states united in order to beat Persia, in the Persian War. Later on, Athens was assigned to command the fleet and therefore the entire Delian league. Before long, Athens controlled …show more content…
Surviving only 15 the years the Qin dynasty began in 221 BC and lasted till 207 BC. Yingzheng, who was the first emperor in the Chinese history, defeated the other six states, from 230 BC to 221 BC; subsequently ending a war that had lasted for over 500 years and established a unified and centralized country. Therefore, Yingzheng was very successful in creating an empire but his ability to manage and maintain power was not. For instance, during the late period of his reign, he was cruel and oppressive to his people, and caused dissatisfaction. Shortly after his death, Hu Hai succeeded him. Similarly to his father, Hu Hai also practiced legalism, which thrived on severe punishments and strict order and laws. Some of the corporal punishments implemented by the Qin dynasty, included death by boiling, chariots, beating, and permanent mutilation in the form of tattooing and castration. Furthermore, People who committed crimes were also sentenced to hard labor for the state. Consequently, these barbaric punishment caused an uprising led by peasants, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang("Qin Dynasty"). Therefore, to correctly manage the people of your empire, do not practice legalism, because as history show it only results in civilian