Since Imperial Rome and the Han dynasty were taking places at relatively the same time, they have many similarities. But considering the distance and isolation from each other, many differences also occurred. Both Rome and Han China used technology to improve their empire, but changing your social class rank was very difficult in China, but a bit easier in Rome. Similarities: Both the Roman and the Han had advanced technology like roads, sewage/water systems, engineering, and architecture. Evidence:
Silk Road, aqueducts and advanced sewage systems running through both empires, Great Wall and the Colosseum, and many others. Direct Comparison: Both empires had a good control of their water. While Rome had massive aqueducts to transport water and sewage systems, the Han had sewage systems and water conversation offices to help prevent floods and the wasting of water. Differences: Citizens in the Roman empire were able to change their social class if they wanted to enough, while citizens in the Han-ruled China were born into their social class, and getting out of your class was very difficult Evidence:
In China, merchants being lowest on social pyramid, and fact that it was a hierarchy (all new rulers were born into family).
In Rome, fact that Patricians, Equities and Plebeians all had opportunity to be on the Senate, able to join army and raise social rank, most emperors weren’t related Direct Comparison: Rulers from China were all related, while rulers from Roman empire usually weren’t. The rulers of the Han dynasty functioned fine considering they were all somehow related, but Rome usually had problems when family became emperors. (The 5 good emperors ended when a new emperor was appointed from he family) Since Rome was a vast land-area, they had little natural isolation, but many methods of trade such as the Mediterranean Sea and rivers. Han China on the other hand, had deserts, mountains and oceans to protect themselves. Also, they had direct access to waterways such as the Indian Ocean and rivers. Conclusion: While Rome and the Han dynasty had many differences with social systems, they had many technological advancements that were strikingly similar, which is unusual due to their distance and natural isolation from each other.
The Essay on Classical Societies: Rome & Han China
... poor. Another social difference between classical Rome and Han China is that in China, “slavery” never really existed. They did, however, have a system that sort ... day, both the Han Chinese Empire and the Roman Empire were very powerful and influential. The ancient civilizations of Rome and Han China shared both similarities ...
