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?