1. Decline of the Classical World 4.1.1.
Roman Empire, China, India, Persia

2. Strengths
All of the empires conquered huge amounts of territory through the use of large armies
Despite their large diversity they had populations that were united through a common government bureaucracy .
The governments were generally respected and honored by the people they ruled.

3. Trade Routes Silk Road- connected Asia to Eastern Europe
Europeans wanted the silks and spices
China wanted the gold and silver
Rivers – rivers connected the Mongols (A.K.A. the Huns) in northern Asia to Eastern Europe.
Volga River
Mediterranean Sea- allowed goods to be traded to Northern Africa and into Western Europe
Cities along the Mediterranean slowly became powerful.

5. Factors that led to the decline of the classical empires
1. Dynastic Succession- Not sure who will be in charge next.
2. Bureaucratic Corruption-Those in power selfishly live lavish lives and make laws that favor themselves.
3. Increases taxes on the poor- Rich pay few taxes, while the poor (majority) have to pay large amounts of taxes.
4. Costly Technology- Government would pursue a complicated project- then shift the cost of the project to the poor

6. Costly Technology China Romans Great Wall Aqueducts
Approx. $360 billion, 4,160 miles Approx. $300 million

7. 5. External Enemies
China wasn’t being constantly bombarded by the Huns (Mongols)
Romans were under constant attack from Germanic tribes: Visigoths, Vandals, and the Franks

9. Common viruses we face today could kill thousands.
6. Plagues
Disease in populated areas was nearly impossible to manage as no one understood how it was being spread.
Common viruses we face today could kill thousands.
Ex. Small Pox and Measles = estimates of killing as much as ½ the Roman population.