Introduction
The Roman Empire and the Han Empire are two of the greatest empires that ruled over the Western and Eastern civilizations for many years. The Roman Empire ruled in the extreme west of Eurasia across the Mediterranean Sea, including Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, for over 1000 years (Hyun et al., 2021). The Han Empire was an imperial dynasty that ruled in the extreme east of Eurasia, mainly present-day China, for over 400 years. The two successful regimes of the two empires were enabled by similar military and geographical advantages. The operational practices of the empires helped shape the cultural and political footprint and the future of the Mediterranean and China.
Discussion
Both the Roman Empire and the Han Empire managed to rule for a long time even as the inhabitants saw them as semi-barbaric. The rulers had strong militaries that they used to conquer vast areas, and the geographical positioning of the target areas favored their military invasions. The topography of their conquered regions provided good protection from other great powers. The military relied on natural advantages to gain hegemonic power over a large sector of inhabited lands. In addition, Hyun et al. (2021) state that both empires were confronted with internal rebellion against their rule and policies. The Roman Empire’s rule was threatened by a vast slave population, leading to many insurgencies. Revolts commonly instigated by peasants mainly threatened the Han Dynasty in China. Also, the empires preferred the central accumulation of wealth. Most of the gains of imperial wealth flowed to the aristocracies in the capital cities, Rome and Chang’an, which attracted many inhabitants.
The Roman and Han Empires created the foundations for the form of governance practiced in Europe and China. The Eastern and Western modes of government are quite different, apart from a few similarities. The fundamental resemblance between the two empires is the administrative division into smaller units. The Roman Empire had provinces, while the Han Empire had districts. The present-day countries in Europe and China are also divided into smaller units to enhance management efficiency. In addition, the regimes helped to shape the political footprints as they are practiced today. Hyun et al. (2021) state that the form of administration in Europe borrows heavily from the Roman Empire, which had an open administration form. The provinces had distinct functions, and the governors were allowed to seek advice and involve the citizens in governance through the senate and the military consuls. However, the Han Empire practiced bureaucratic leadership that is part of present-day China, where only some people are allowed to play a part in governance.
The Roman and Han Empires The Roman and Han Empires were separated by a large geographical distance and they barely knew each other. They observed different cultural practices that were integrated in their different forms of governance and the same is reflected today in the West and East. The Roman Empire allowed people to worship differently, and they further took time to plan their military discipline. The emperors developed strict rules for managing their military power, while the Chinese established state schools to train new administrators (Hyun et al., 2021). In addition, the Han Dynasty preferred Confucianism, where citizens would connect the earth and even use porcelain to honor their ancestors.
Conclusion
The Roman and Han Empires ruled the Western and Eastern civilizations for many years. They enjoyed protracted success as they leveraged geographic advantages to build strong militaries for protection and expand their territories. Still, both regimes faced internal rebellion and preferred the central accumulation of wealth in the capital cities. The regimes further shaped the political, cultural, and political footprints as they are today in Europe and China. The Roman Empire incorporated a balance of powers with the people, while the Han Dynasty was highly bureaucratic. Culturally, the Roman Empire permitted freedom of worship as it is today, while the Han Empire adopted a Confucian philosophy.
Reference
Hyun, J.K., Samuel N.C.L, & McLaughlin, R. (2021). Rome and China. 1st edition. Routledge.