What exists before an empire? how is that similar to the exposition of a story?

Exposition sets the ground for what is going to happen. It gives us background information about the people, territories, events and it slowly leads us into the story. Similar to this, before the empire, we have a central state that is gaining power due to historical circumstances. We can see the events taking place that will eventually lead to the rise of an empire.

athena gives perseus a mirror sp he won't directly look back at her.

a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. this may result in the adoption of a new law.