empire – n. a group of territories or peoples under one ruler

source – n. the beginning of a stream of water : someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed

sin – n. an offense against religious or moral law

leather – n. animal skin dressed for use

hydroelectric – adj. of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower

plain – n. a large area of flat land without trees

cremate – v. to burn the body of a person who has died

cycle – n. a set of events or actions that happen again and again in the same order : a repeating series of events or actions

tributary – n. a stream feeding a larger stream or a lake

devastation – n. great damage or destruction