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Compare the similarities and differences between the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty.
Imagine two massive empires on opposite sides of the planet, ruling over of the world's population each, yet they barely knew the other existed. How did they both become so powerful using the exact same 'secret ingredients'?
Both empires organized their people like a pyramid. In Rome, your family wealth and 'status' mattered most. At the top were Patricians (wealthy landowners), followed by Plebeians (commoners), and at the bottom were enslaved people. In Han China, the pyramid was based on Confucianism, which valued education and service. Scholars and government officials were at the top. Surprisingly, Farmers were ranked higher than Merchants because farmers produced the food the empire needed to survive, while merchants were seen as people who only moved goods around.
Quick Check
In Han China, why were farmers ranked higher than merchants in the social hierarchy?
Answer
Farmers were valued because they produced the essential food and taxes (grain) that kept the empire running.
Rome and Han China were both 'super-sized.' To keep their land safe, they used two main tools: Walls and Professional Armies. Rome built Hadrian's Wall in Britain to mark its northern border. Han China expanded the Great Wall to keep out nomadic invaders from the north. Both empires spent a huge amount of money—often over of their total budget—on soldiers who lived in forts along these dangerous borders. These soldiers didn't just fight; they built roads and spread their empire's culture to the edges of the world.
Imagine the Roman Empire has a total budget of gold coins. 1. The Emperor decides that of all money must go to the army. 2. To find the cost, we calculate: gold coins. 3. This leaves only coins for building roads, temples, and feeding the poor!
Quick Check
What is one specific physical structure both empires used to manage their borders?
Answer
Both empires used long walls (like Hadrian's Wall or the Great Wall) and fortifications.
The 'engine' of both empires was Agriculture. Most people were farmers who paid taxes in grain to feed the army. However, they also loved luxury. The Silk Road was a massive network of trade routes connecting the two empires. Rome traded silver, gold, and glassware for China’s beautiful silk. This trade made both empires incredibly wealthy. Even though a merchant might have to travel over kilometers, the profit from selling a single bag of silk in Rome was worth the dangerous journey!
Which group was at the top of the Han Dynasty social hierarchy?
What was the primary purpose of Hadrian's Wall and the Great Wall?
Rome and Han China were connected by a trade network known as the Silk Road.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to recall the three main levels of the Roman social pyramid and one reason why the Han Dynasty valued farmers.
Practice Activity
Draw two pyramids on a piece of paper. Label one 'Rome' and one 'Han China,' then fill in the social classes to see how they differ.