Compare And Contrast Roman And Chinese Empires

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Rome and China, despite being so different in geography and culture, are quite parallel in their pattern of empire. Until the 6th century, both Rome and China experienced both the growth of a new empire, along with its downfall. These empires are two of the greatest the world has ever seen. During their highest point these empires had very developed and sophisticated cultures. There was a strong government system with a more or less social balance. After the fall of these empires, however, chaos occurred. Both empires experienced a collapse of central government authority. Along with this private armies and aristocratic estates arose, adding to the chaos. As these empires fell most of their former allies turned against them. Their villages and cities were pillaged as barbarian tribes, who had formerly been allies of the great empire, invaded and took advantage of the crumbling empire. Both the Roman and Chinese empires experienced the invasion of new and foreign religions. This may have added to the …show more content…
The pattern of the rising and falling of the first empire can be seen clearly in both of these empires. After this, however, the various components of each empire diversify and allow one empire to return, while the other remains lost. The Chinese empire was able to revive itself for various reasons. First of all, new thoughts and religions did not completely dominate the Chinese, while Christianity rose into all of Rome. The Chinese were also unified in culture, while Rome included many diverse cultures. Last, but not least, China’s high population density allowed for quick communication and unity, while Rome had a much lower population density. Studying the difference between these empires helps one to understand how the Chinese managed to regroup and form what became one of the best governments in the contemporary