The Han Empire was very interested in advancing technology and systems as much as possible. They were always looking for improvement, such as the letter a Han government official sent to other officials about improving the irrigation systems and flood prevention systems. (Doc.1) Water was a very important element to the Han Empire as it helped shape their new inventions and new takes on already established technologies. (Doc.3,4,8) The Han Empire had governmental as well as high ranking philosophical backing in their drive to advance their technology. A document that would help reinforce this analysis would be a letter from a government official asking other officials from around the world about any advances they would be willing to share. The Romans did not view technology as a tool, but a hindrance. High ranking officials and wealthy gentlemen viewed any kind of job that required the use of technology or tools was degrading and vulgar. They thought that there was nothing noble or gentlemanly about the work of the lower classes. (Doc.5,7) This shows Rome’s attitude towards technology is very negative and it is not a common interest among other Romans. Despite the fact that Rome did use technology, it was not a very high priority in Roman society. A document that could help support my claim would be a list of technological advancements over the course of many years showing how little new technology has shown up in everyday life. While both Empires had different attitudes toward the advancement of technology, they each accepted technological changes throughout history. Whether it be the new system of roads that Rome integrated (Doc.6) or the change in quality of tools in the Han Empire (Doc.2). They each had technological changes happen and both Empires accepted them even though the attitudes toward them were much different. The Han Empire embraced the changes and invention of new technology while the Roman Empire resented technological change.
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