Han China Comparison Essay

Unit 2 Exam
Between Han China in 206 BCE- 220 CE and Imperial Rome in 31 BCE-476 CE they had many similarities and differences about political control. The key similarities being how they both had one ruler, and passing on titles; the key differences being how Rome was slightly more democratic than China and how the Roman Church had more power. There were many similar political methods between Han China and Rome both had only ruler. Both empires were ruled under a tyranny. By being ruled over by one king it meant that whatever the emperor says goes. The citizens had less of a choice. Secondly, both empires’ kings trusted the higher social class to give them advice. For example, the Han China emperors would listen to the eunuchs and scholars for advice while the Roman emperors listen to the aristocracy. Having the emperors’ trust gave them the power and they can take advantage by making laws that benefits them. Another similarity is how they both passed on their power to their heirs. From father to son they would pass on their titles as emperor. They wouldn’t pass on their title and let another family take power willingly. The differences between Han China and Rome’s political methods include religion, democracy and social classes. Confucianism played a major part In Chinese culture and politics however their religion did not have as much power over the power over the emperor like Christianity. In Rome, if an emperor did not listen to the Pope, the Pope can then ex- communicate the emperor. The Pope can then replace the emperor. In China, you can’t just have a Buddhist remove an emperor out of power. Secondly, in Rome the citizens had more of a democratic government. Landowners and merchants formed the Roman Republic where they could help pass laws and etc. In China only the emperor had that kind of power. By having a more democratic government the Roman citizens can have more of a say whereas the Chinese citizens can’t. Lastly, in China if you were born into the lower class does not necessarily mean you can’t rise up. They have a civil service exam where they have a chance to become a scholar. However in Rome it is almost impossible to rise up. It is nearly impossible in Rome because you have to be a landowner to rise, but if you are born poor you don’t own any land and you have to work for a landowner. Han China and Imperial Rome had many similarities and differences regarding political methods. They had many similarities like emperors and how they passed on titles, but they also had many differences like how Rome was slightly more democratic and the Roman church had more power.