Analyze the similarites and differences in methods of political control in Han China and imperial rome in the classical period. Essay Example

During the late classical period from 206 B.C.E to 476 C.E., the Roman Empire controlled the Mediterranean world and the Han Dynasty stretched from the Yellow River to the South China Sea. Although the Romans and Han empires used powerful militaries and infrastructure to control the peasants and fend off invasions, they differed in the structure and organization of their bureaucracies and the control that the emperors had over the governors of the provinces.

In order to control their populace and prevent invasions by nomadic people, the roman and Han empires developed powerful militaries and elaborate infrastructures. The roman army was known for its power and strength throughout the Mediterranean world due to their organization, training, and advanced weaponry. Roman roads, which were paved with stone, were at the heart of the roman infracstructure and allowed the roman army to quickly put down and rebellion and stop the invasions from the Germanic barbarians. The Han dynasty developed a powerful military to enforce the Mandate of Heaven and stop the constant nomadic invasions from the Huns in the north. Infrastructure in China was extensive and the size of the Great Wall demonstrated the strength of the Chinese military, intimidated the Chinese peasants, and slowed the invasions from the north. Both imperial rome and the Han dynasty spent a tremendous amount of their tax revenue on developing an extensive infrastructure to control their empire and fend off nomadic invasions. In the same way that the roman roads were used to enforce the political control of the roman emperor, the Great Wall of china was used to remind the peasants of the strength of the Chinese emperor and his connection to the heavens. Political control was accomplished in imperial roman and the Han dynasty through militaries that could control the peasants and protect the