Why build an empire?

Indian history is full of empires. They rose, grew, lasted a while, declined and disappeared. The last empire to rule the Subcontinent was here less than a hundred years ago! (That story comes in a later grade.)

Running an empire is hard work. So why would a king want one? The book gives three possible reasons:

• the dream to 'rule the whole world': control huge lands and be remembered by posterity (the generations to come)
• to get the resources of large areas, for economic and military strength
• the wish for great wealth, for himself and the empire

The second reason feeds itself: resources pay for an army, and the army takes more land with more resources.

How was it done? Trained armies were sent to conquer neighbours, keep control of them and defend the borders. Forts were built in strategic places, such as the borders.

Rulers also tried hard to control rivers and trade routes. Think of a toll: whoever holds the road can tax every cart and horse that passes. Holding a river or route gives you precious resources and tax money from the trade.

So, with many small kingdoms fighting each other, which one wins? The one with stronger military power and surplus resources became the overlord. Not the bravest: the best supplied.