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Differences in Ancient Rome and Han China

Decent Essays

Han China and Classical Rome When comparing Han China and Classical Rome, many political, geographical, and religious similarities can be found, though many differences are also prevalent. Though Roman and Han political structures both emphasized bureaucracies, they came to them quite differently. Through copious amounts of expansion, both societies spread culture and earned money, though expansion was eventually their downfalls. Their religions differed immensely, with Rome emphasizing polytheism and Han China focusing on Confucianism. The differences and similarities between these two civilizations are to be discussed in this essay.

Though both Rome and the Han dynasty were bureaucracies, both respective bureaucracies were quite …show more content…

Though they were both able to trade due to their expansions and coasts, Rome did much more trade than Han China. Also, due to this vastness, both societies’ cultures were spread all over the world (which led to other civilizations forming) and their economies were boosted (which led to better conditions for the people).

Religion in Rome and Han China had several similarities and differences. Not only did both their religions support political loyalty, and involvement, but they also played a huge role in society. Confucianism in Han China emphasized how to act towards others, especially parents and elders, and how to know ones place in society. Daoism there also emphasized nature and harmony, as Polytheism in Rome also focused on nature and how to care for and understand it. Polytheism in Rome was truly the center of all Roman tradition, as the gods and goddesses required many sacrifices and festivals in their honor. However, Confucianism was more of a social/political mindset than an actual religion, as it had no true god. Polytheism, however, had an overabundance of gods and goddesses, who were to be feared and regarded as sacred. It did not, however, focus on ethical thought and how to live, as Confucianism did extensively. Both Han China and Rome did have high tolerances for other religions, as long as they did not get in the way of state loyalty. Both societies’ political structures focused on Confucianism and polytheism, respectively, but the people were not

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