Post on 31-Dec-2015
description
Roman Empire and Han Dynasty
A Short ComparisonWorld History
Roman Empire
Han Dynasty
Characteristics
Han ChinaWell organized bureaucracy based upon Confucian ideas and education
Roman EmpireWell organized bureaucracy founded on Roman law and classical learning
Characteristics
Han Imperial Universities
In Xi’an a university of Confucian study was founded.An exam was created to evaluate anyone who felt knowledgeable enough to take it and become a bureaucrat. Unfortunately, only the wealthy had time to study enough.
Roman EducationFounded on Greek Principles.Wanted strong, healthy, religious and responsible citizen.A free slave opened the first private school in ancient Rome.
Characteristics
Han ChinaEmphasis on Family ancestors: patriarchicalReliance on landed gentryEngineering accomplishments: roads, canals, the Great Wall
Roman EmpireEmphasis on family: pater familiasReliance on patriciansEngineering accomplishments: roads, aqueducts, amphitheatres, domes, sewage systems, central heating
Characteristics
Grand Canal Roman Roads
Characteristics
Great Wall Roman Aqueduct
Characteristics
Han ChinaReligion: Confucianism, Daoism, native gods, intro to Buddhism
Roman EmpireReligion: Emperor as god, paganism, intro to Christianity
Both Buddhism and Christianity are considered new superseding religions that reformed and surpassed a former religion with historical ties.
Decline of Han Dynasty
Infighting among ruling elitesInequitable distribution of land - tax burden fell on peasants rather than on large landownersSeries of peasant rebellions
Yellow Turban Rebellion: Wore yellow scarves on heads, Taoists angry with landowning elite.
Generals usurp political power - become warlords
Decline of Han Dynasty
220 CE generals divide empire into three kingdoms.Emigration of nomadic peoples into N. China kept country disunited
Decline of Roman Empire
Internal opposition - barrack emperorsDifficulties in administering vast empire creates rivalries and divisions of authorityEastern and Western Empire - capital moved to Constantinople
Decline of Roman Empire
Germanic invasions by Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Visigoths476 Odacer deposes final Western Roman EmperorEastern Roman Empire becomes Byzantine Empire - lasts another 1000 years
Shared Characteristics
Decline in Morals and ValuesDecline in those values that have upheld this particular society together
Public Health and Urban DecayPolitical CorruptionUnemployment and InflationInferior technologyMilitary Spending
Evaluate…
What factors allowed them to last over 400 years?Are there any lessons we can take from their rise, rule, and fall?