The Roman empire’s basic unit of society was the multi-generational family with the eldest male having absolute authority over the rest of the family. Women were always seen as children in the eyes of the law, first under the control of her father, then her husband and lastly her son. Romans were originally polytheistic, but later converted over to Christianity. The Romans had two social classes: patricians, 10% of the population and Plebeians, 90% of the population. More economic and social mobility in Roman Empire. The cultures of Romans were more diverse due to more conquered lands. Roman army composed of professional soldiers who served for decades. They typically owned land so it gave them a reason to fight.The fall of the Romans was caused by a decline due to political corruption, too large, barbarian attacks, and Christianity. Roman emperor had to resort to persuasion, threats, and promises in order to forge a consensus for his initiatives.
The Han China era the basic unit of society was also the multi-generational family with the eldest male at the top of the house. Women; however, may have had a higher status during the Han - some were educated in writing, art and music, but they were still in a subordinate position due to Confucianism. Women were to cook, take care of household chores, respect their parents-in-law, and obey their husbands. Originally Legalism but then converted to Confucianism. had 3 social classes of the wealthy, middle, and poor/slave. Expanded into areas that were suitable for settled agriculture. Decline due to economics, security issues. Army was composed of draftees who served for two years. Merchant class in China was frequently disparaged and constrained by the government.
Big empire with long borders filled with diverse people and cultural unity. Expansion w/ centralized government and used water technology of aqueducts and irrigations for farming. Agriculture was the fundamental economic activity and source of wealth in...