Which characteristics are common among early empires?

The characteristics of centralized government and trade routes are foundational elements of early empires. A centralized government is vital because it enables a unified political structure that can oversee large territories, enforce laws, collect taxes, and maintain order. This central authority often helped in establishing standardized practices and reinforcing the empire's influence over its vast regions.

Trade routes played a critical role in the expansion and sustainability of these empires. They facilitated not only the exchange of goods, including luxury items and essential resources, but also the dissemination of culture and ideas. By connecting different parts of the empire and beyond, trade routes enhanced economic prosperity and intercultural communication, which contributed to the stability and growth of these early civilizations.

In contrast, elements such as lack of taxation would hinder the financial resources needed to sustain an empire, and an emphasis on nomadic lifestyles would not align with the sedentary foundations that most early empires built upon. Therefore, the combination of a centralized government and established trade routes is essential in understanding the characteristics that enabled early empires to flourish.