The Similarities and Differences of the Imperial Rule of Han China and Imperial Rome

Dhaire Portillo
November 1, 2013
6th Period

The Similarities and Differences of the Imperial Rule of Han China and Imperial Rome

Imperial Han and Imperial Rome were two very important empires in Europe and Asia. Even though their time in ruling was different they both were very powerful in their time. The Imperial Rules of Rome and Han China had differences and similarities in the techniques of imperial administration such as different ways of religion, Confucianism and Christianity, similar social aspects because of patriarchy as well as economic similarities such as trade in the Silk Road.

Han China and Rome did not have the same beliefs, Rome believed in Christianity while Han China believed in Confucianism. (DIF) Han Chinas belief brought the empire to unity under Han Wudi’s Ruling for 54 years. As opposed to Rome where their belief tore the empire apart. When Christianity triumphed the Edict of Milan was proclaimed under the ruling of Theodosius the Great. (EV) As the Romans tried to send out the message of Jesus the Romans had been persecuting the religion. Constantine ends the persecution in 313 ad, as he became the first Christian Emperor. This followed the Jewish Diaspora, the dispersal of Jews from their homeland because the temples were being destroyed. Christianity brought the Roman Empire to an end by dividing it into two, the Jewish and the Christians. These empires had very distinct types of ruling in the aspect of Religion which led them to either success or failure just by a believe.

Social orders in both of the empires were actually similar. Imperial Rome and Han China were dominated under Patriarchy. Both Empires also had issues with taxes, which was the main reason why they practiced a patriarchal system. (DC) Han China was very dedicated to filial piety. Young children have to honor their parents and bring honor to their families. This link with Imperial Rome’s Paterfamilias, which is basically the same thing as filial piety, you must bring honor to your family and give your undivided honor to the eldest member of your family. With the Patriarchal system it was a must to honor the eldest male of the family, which was usually the dad. This was something very important and was brought to the empires by their rulers at that time. Taxes were also an issue in both empires. (DC) Taxes were lowered which left them with more money and made women stand out. Empress Lu came in 195 BCE to rule China. (AN) This also caused people to work more and in Rome latifundia came up.

Trade in the Silk Road was the main similarity for these empires. In the Famous Silk Road that connected China with the Roman Empire cultures, ideas, religions and technology was spread. China exported paper, silk, alcohol, iron, and salt. Rome imported silver, gold, luxurious items in such as silk, jades, expensive rocks, horses, wheat. The Han Empire then created monopolies to increase their power. While Rome was running on mostly the Silk Road exchanges. The economy of both empires was based off agriculture. (DC) Also taxes were playing a big role in the Economic aspect of the empires. With the lowered taxes woman had more opportunities, when the taxes were high it meant more work.

In conclusion Imperial Rome and Han China basically had the same foundation to ruling. Their Economic and Social beliefs were similar, but their Religious beliefs differed making them be ran different. The techniques of imperial administration varied but were basically the same too.