The Roman Empire and some Han page 76 CAP (varies) Chapter 4 Rome and Greece

Imperial Rome and Han China Both lasted approximately 400 years Both had population of about 50 million

Origins of empire Han China built on earlier imperial traditions started by the Qin and Zhou Rome was built on controlling aristocratic landlords and a certain element of democracy

Both emphasized territorial expansion Roman EmpireHan China

Integrating the empires Massive road building projects linked crucial parts of the empires Roads facilitated communication, economic activity, access to resources, and movement of military.

Mechanisms for political integration in China Confucianism identified principles necessary for political and social order Emphasized the emperors divine majesty Developed a sophisticated bureaucracy with gov representatives in the provinces

Mechanisms for political integration in the Roman Empire Literature – writers were eager to sing the praises of the emperor and the imperial system Bureaucracy less complex than Han, but greater emphasis on the legal system Monuments and triumphal processions played up the glory and grandeur of the empire itself and its rulers

The power of the central governments in Han China and Imperial Rome

Han China worked harder at integration than the Romans Large colonies of northern Chinese were planted in newly conquered territories Use of Mandarin language required by the elite and bureaucrats and pushed heavily on all classes

Ancient Rome had an AGRICULTURAL, SLAVE- BASED ECONOMY whose main purpose was to feed the vast number of citizens and legionaries who populated the Mediterranean region.

The staple crops of Roman farmers in Italy were various GRAINS, OLIVES, and GRAPES. OLIVE OIL and WINE

Rome used colonies to foster unity and integration throughout the Empire Colonies were smaller, basically military outposts not intended for population integration Latin was encouraged but never supplanted Greek in the east Expansion of Roman citizenship was emphasized Rome was content to establish looser control on provinces and rely on local autonomy

Territorial expansion Han China Pushed boundaries far beyond Middle Kingdom, but when they reached a sustainable point, did not feel the need to compensate for cessation of expansion Imperial Rome Rome’s appetite for expansion was unbounded A more militaristic culture Romans needed additional territory to reward generals and soldiers They needed a continuing supply of slaves for their labor system Rome began to fade after 180 CE when expansion became impossible

Military activity Military was encouraged by both, but more so by Rome Rome known for tight discipline and organization of the infantry known as the legions

Han China was more culturally creative than Rome Rome’s literature, art, and architecture was derived from the Greeks Classical China was more creative in the area of technology (e.g. gunpowder)

Before Han, China created religious and philosophical systems in ways that Rome did not Han emphasized Confucianism and Rome’s emphasis was on civic religion Both emphases called attention to rituals and themes that would bring loyalty to the empire, but neither was intensely spiritual Both are exposed to new religions late in the Classical Period

The decline of Imperial Rome A series of weak/incompetent emperors and invasions Once the western Roman empire falls it will be remembered and borrowed from but never restored

hint: CAP 114

Go to page 84 Comparative perspective create a table like this and complete as you read RomeIndiaChina Reason for social inequalities Justification for social Inequalities (more than list)