the idea that a ruler must be just to keep the approval of the gods. Natural disasters, famines, etc. meant that they were losing this

a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey. Most notably used across the Royal Road

One of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions, based on the teachings of a prophet who shares the same name as the religion

Founder of the first Persian empire, the Achaemenid

He was the third Persian King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, reigning from 522 BCE until he died in 486 BCE

beginning in Egypt in about 2400 BCE, a state-sponsored system that helps transport messages

A system of philosophical and ethical teachings where people were meant to fulfill their social obligations

Philosophical and spiritual tradition which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao

The belief that people were not necessarily good and they needed a strong government

designed to protect the people to the north. Much of it was constructed during the Qin Dynasty

Came to power after the Qin Dynasty in China. It unified China for about 400 years, 206 BC to 220 AD

Examinations implemented for recruitment and admission to the civil service

An Indian Emperor of the Maurya Dynasty. He ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. The grandson of the Maurya Dynasty's founder, Chandragupta Maurya. He promoted the spread of Buddhism

An ancient highway built by the Persian king Darius in the 5th century BCE. It was used to facilitate rapid communication and trade