Power and authority
who has the power? how did they get the power? how do they maintain it?
religions and ethical systems
where is the origin? major beliefs? Conflicts with others religions? how do they treat "non-believers"?
revolutions
"Don't piss off the peasants"; Important, radical change; usually achieved by force; upheaval by large group of people; what was the result?
Interaction with environment
How does geography effect trade? Ruling? Migration? Adaptation?
Economics
how does one use their resources? who controls them? What are an individual society's products?
Cultural interaction
how do two different societies interact with each other? Racism? cultural diffusion? what is the positive and negative interaction?
Empire building
Why to they conquer? how to they treat the conquered? motivation?
Science and technology
literature; visual arts; what tools do people use to solve problems? how do these events change the way people live? Artistic reflection?