Question

what three tricks did emperors play to make smaller kingdom a part of their own kingdom?

Answer 1

Emperors generally adopted two tactics to make smaller kingdoms a part of their own kingdom.

1. Defeating the smaller kingdoms in battle: After the defeat, the emperor could either incorporate the neighbouring kingdom into the empire and rule directly over it, or he could allow the existing king to continue ruling but only after payment of tribute to the emperor and an acknowledgement of the emperor's suzerainty.

2. Tactical marriages: The emperor would marry the daughters of neighbouring kings and make the kingdom a part of the empire, while allowing the existing king to continue ruling as a vassal.