CHINA and ROME 200 BCE – 200 CE

Historical Context Between 200 BCE and 200 CE, both China and Rome conquered expansive territories that made them the 2 leading empires of the world. China was unified by the Qin (Ch’in) Dyansty and the following Han Dyanasty expanded the boundaries to almost present day China. Rome expanded through most of modern day Europe and region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea including N. Africa and Egypt. In 400 years, each of these empires controlled about 2 million square miles and 60 million people.

CHINA Qin Dynasty led to Han Dyanasty. Han successors were more moderate, but used structures of Qin to create a larger and more durable empire. Confucianism resurfaces and greatly influences Han period: hierarchy, obedience and family structure important. Technology and Trade flourished (ex: Silk Road) Decline of Empire: Political Fragmentation/Political & Cultural Regression

ROME Didn’t have a precedent to draw upon (like Han had Qin) Slow process: Trial and Error to develop Republican form of gov’t developed to meet needs of Roman city-states, but proved inadequate to meet needs of huge empire. Roman Principate (military dictators) developed next. Trade and Technology vital to Empire (aqueducts/roads/inner-empire trade) Rise of Christianity as Rome conquered Eastern lands. Monotheism became more accepted.

Similarity Comparison/Conclusions Both rose from relatively small state, to a large system of connected cities/towns. Discipline and military toughness key to their rises. Technologies helped imperial control and fostered unification between cultures. Led to widespread territories under strong central governments. In the end, both succumbed to EXTERNAL pressures and INTERNAL divisions.

Differences Comparison and Conclusions Ideology: China had Confucianism and embedded emphasis on hierarchy (family)…while Rome did not. Individual mobility in society was more of an opportunity in Rome. (ex: rights of individual) Roman rulers usually chosen by army or Senate…not dynastic cycle (Mandate of Heaven). Christianity prompted a “break with the past”, while as Buddhism flourished, it was more consistent with traditional values and beliefs.

2002 AP World Exam Question Which of the following is true of both the Roman Empire and the Han Empire? Both empires were heavily dependent on slave labor. Both empires were characterized by long periods of effective centralized governance. In both empires, administrative officials were selected by an elaborate system of competitive examinations. Both empires were ruled by wealthy merchant elites.