The correct answer is C) building new temples.
Building new temples was not a method used by early Empire Builders to gain and maintain power.
Early Empire builders such as Sumerians, Babylonians or Hittites did not build temples as a method to gain and maintain power. They based their dominion on using strong armies to conquer other nations and instilled fear in their enemies. Empires expanded when they conquered new territories and enslaved people. Once in a dominant position, early Empires appointed governors and officials and imposed taxes trade and other things.
