Common Characteristic of the Classical Age Empires
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Transcript of Common Characteristic of the Classical Age Empires
Common Characteristic of the Classical Age Empires
Han, Rome, Greece, Gupta
Political Administration• Institutions–Centralized Governments
–Legal Systems and Law Codes–Bureaucracies
Chinese DynastyThe “Caesar”
Most advanced in ChinaLocal rule more important in Rome
Maintaining Military Power and Economic Success
• Diplomacy• Maintaining Supply lines• Fortifications, Walls, Roads•Recruiting locals into military•Promotion of Trade Relationships
Importance of Cities
• Centers of Trade• Religious Ceremonies• Location of political Institutions
Roman SenateChinese Grand Council
Examine the characteristicsof the Classical Cities:Identify at least2 similarities
Economic centers
Religious Centers
Along key waterways
Defense Systems
Chang’an (Xian)
Persepolis
Constantinople
Athens
Alexandria
Rome & Carthage
Social Structures
• Hierarchical • Each empire had
different criteria for determining your place
Elites
Merchants and Artisans
Laborers
SlavesEx: India’s Hinduism and the caste system. Roman value on private property
Labor Systems
• Used to maintain production of food• Elevated status of elites• Examples:
CorveeSlaveryTributes
Decline and Fall
• Internal– Political Apathy and Corruption– Social and Economic Tensions
– Excessive mobilization– Environmental damage
• Gap increases between rich and poor• Taxation
• Deforestation• Desertification
Decline and Fall• External– Security issues
– Invasion
• Cost of maintaining protection• Miles of border to
protect• Diverse people to
keep peaceful
• Xiongnu (Han China)• White Huns (India)• Germanic Tribes (Rome)