1. Rome and Han China
Downfall

2. External Causes
Over-extension of borders made it difficult to defend against barbaric attacks
Cost of defense increased as revenues decreased
Xiongnu Confederation from the north—
Chinese paid protection money in return for peace
Money not distributed to confederation
Attacks continued
Germanic tribes—Goths
Like the Han tribute money paid in return for protection
When the Huns invade the Goths eventually turn on the Romans as well
Rome’s army = mercenaries including Goths
Decline in military might and loyalty

3. Internal Causes Economic Class divisions Land distribution Disease
increased in both
Land distribution
inequitable
Disease
Decline in population and labor pool
Trade
Decline
Taxes
Natural Disasters
China
Land Distribution—
Dividing land between sons eventually led to plots too small to pay taxes therefore sold to landlords who grew richer—Han
Farmers in Rome who could no longer pay their taxes were sold into slavery along with their children
Disease
via the Silk Road led to decline in population in both empires with many fleeing to the countryside
Led to decline in labor
Trade
Labor shortages and decline in population led to decrease in trade and business
Tax revenues declined
Taxes
Aristocratic landlords were exempt from taxes therefore less government revenue—Han
Diocletian divided empire in attempt to save it and to assure loyalty among aristocrats they were exempt from taxes therefore burdening the poor even more
Natural Disasters
Locusts in China
Erosion and floods in China

4. Internal Causes Political Weak leaders Faction fighting—Han
Inability of government to deal with social unrest
Lack of rules of succession
Division of Empire—Rome
With emphasis on eastern borders unable to protect western area
Weak leaders, faction fighting, lack of rules of succession
further weakened by independence of generals and rising power of landlords--Han

5. Internal Causes Social
Class divisions
Revolts—
poverty and frustration led to revolts—Han
Yellow Turbans
Linguistic and Cultural diversity in Rome
Religious and Cultural unity in China
Benefits of citizenship in Rome less apparent therefore a decline in loyalty