Han Government Officials in the First and Second Centuries CE were more inclined to having a positive view on technology, unlike the Romans, because their developments were essential to sustain their Agriculture-based empire. According to Document 1, a Han Government Official is making …show more content…
For instance, Document 8 goes in depth about the benefits of aqueducts. According to Frontinus, a Roman general, “the abundance of water is sufficient...even for pleasure”. This is significant because it shows the sense of pride Romans had in their achievements. It also depicts a sense of superiority the Romans had over the inventions of other civilizations, such as the Greeks. Document 6 connects to Document 8 because it demonstrates that Romans used technology for the beautification and enhancement of Rome. However, it is important to remember that these technological advancements were needed in a growing Roman population, peaking at 1 million. Rome changed to adapt its needs of a growing empire and increasingly urban civilization by the creation of aqueducts and arches, important accesses to water, and the creation of latrines and pipes, for health and hygiene. Romans felt proud of the extensive inventions, but did not value their minor achievements, contradicting with the people from the Han Dynasty.
The perspective of the commoners and women are missing. It is important to see a specific topic from different point of views to better understand the attitudes of people from different economical, social, and geographical backgrounds. All documents were written from the perspective of the upper class. This is biased because it only takes into account the opinions of people with authority, power, and wealth. Adding the perspective of the laborers and women, will bring awareness to the standpoint of the majority of the population, and “add to the