I've been reading novels about empires. The founding of ancient Rome. The Greeks fighting about women. Wine and Blood in Paris. Seeding our destiny in the stars. And as much as each leader (or revolutionary) might like to tell you, "This is not propaganda" the fundamental tool of empire is always image, imagination, and inspiration. Whether it's the Gods, the goods, getting even, or getting out, leaders lead through creating visions that large groups of people see together.