Political Control of the Classical Empires

Political Control of the Classical EmpiresDuring in the Classical Period, Han China, Imperial Rome, and Maurya/Gupta India had varying political systems, in large part due to their social make-up, which they would use to deal with their unstable border situations. In their later years, each empire’s inability to manage such a large territory and defend those extensive borders would ultimately lead to their collapse.

Society Affecting Politic Systems

• Han China• Confucianism• Filial Piety• Created a Centralized, Close Knit

Political System• Imperial Rome• Landowning Citizens and Slaves• Paterfamilias• Less Emphasis on a Collective Group

• Maurya/Gupta India• Hinduism• Rigid Class Structure• Disunity Among Ruling Elite,

Especially Local Princes

Controlling the Borders• Han China• Mandate of Heaven, Civil Service Created Stability

(Wu Ti)• Did Not Constantly Seek Expansion, Only to Maintain• Traded for Commodities it Desired, Especially Horses

• Imperial Rome• Pax Romana Created Stability• At the Whims of the Emperor (Augustus, Nero,

Constantine)• Focus on Expansion and Glory for Rome• Strained Resources and Manpower

• Maurya/Gupta India• Expanded Under the Mauryans, Retracted With the

Guptas• Crossroads of the Silk Roads (Ashoka)• Princedoms Caused Disunity

Defense of the Borders

• Han China• Nomadic Pressures, Used the Tribute

System• Yellow Turban Rebellion of 184CE• Impressive Military Technology (Paper,

Crossbow, Horse)• Imperial Rome• Nomadic Pressures, Especially From the

Huns• Internal Strife, Laws Collapsing• Lack of Technology Due to Slaves (Iron)

• Maurya/Gupta India• Nomadic Pressures, Huna Peoples• Use of Longbow Archers• Internal Competition for Power

Conclusion

• Each empire fell due to the cost of maintaining such an extensive empire, and protecting their expansive borders.

• Results (Global Context):• Han China

• Civil Strife for 300 Years Between North and North• Confucianism

• Imperial Rome• Dark Ages for Nearly 800 Years• Twelve Tables

• Maurya/Gupta India• Regional Kingdoms for 600 Years• Hinduism