The Rise of Empires — Chapter Summary

An empire is a collection

An empire is a collection of smaller kingdoms or territories under one powerful ruler. The word comes from the Latin imperium, meaning supreme power.

Magadha

Magadha, in present-day south Bihar and adjoining areas, rose to importance between the 6th and 4th century BCE. Its fertile land, forests, iron resou

Mahāpadma Nanda founded the Nanda dynasty

Mahāpadma Nanda founded the Nanda dynasty and unified smaller kingdoms. He issued coins and maintained a large army. Dhana Nanda was the last Nanda em

Alexander

Alexander, a Greek king from Macedonia, conquered the Persian Empire and campaigned in India between 327 and 325 BCE. He defeated Porus in Punjab, but

Kauṭilya

Kauṭilya, also called Chāṇakya or Viṣṇugupta, was a teacher at Takṣhaśhila and the mentor of Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the Arthaśhāstra and explai