How Power Exerted by Leaders over Land and People Change...

Research Question: From 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E., how did the power individual leaders exerted over their lands and people change over time? Annotated Timeline 1. 527 C.E. – Reign of the Emperor Justinian over the Byzantine Empire Justinian, also known as â€Å"the sleepless emperor† by his subjects, was one of the most influential of the early Byzantine emperors. The reign of Justinian was a prodigiously paramount period. It marked the final cessation of the Roman Empire; the establishment of the incipient, Byzantine empire; the commencement of Western Europes unique position within the civilizations of the Old World; and made possible the spread of Islam and the rise of the Franks. He ruled along side his strong-willed wife, and†¦show more content†¦The Grand Canal helped to amalgamate both northern and southern China both economically culturally, as well as strengthening the unification of the empire. Sui Yangdi also finished the construction of the Great Wall, which is one of the largest building projects ever undertaken. During his reign, Sui Yangdi also embarked on many military conquests in order to extend his empire. He was able to expand his empire north into Inner Asia and south to present-day Vietnam. His conquests against Japan, though, ended disastrously with the Chinese people rebelling against him , and eventually he was assassinated in 618 C.E. which brought the empire to an end. The fall of the once powerful Sui dynasty after Sui Yangdi’s death further proves how strong, authoritative individuals are pivotal for the perpetuating success and survival of an empire and its peoples. 3. 627 C.E. – Reign of Tang Taizong over the Tang Empire Tang Taizong (627-649) was the second Tang emperor and ruled the Tang Empire at its highest point. He was an zealous and charismatic individual; he even kicked his father out of the throne and killed his two brothers just so he could become the emperor. Taizong’s reign brought about the most eminent period of prosperity and tranquolity in China’s society and helped China become one of the most powerful feudal empires the world has ever seen. His empire covered most of the territory of present day China, Mongolia, Central Asia, Vietnam, and Eastern Kazakhstan.