Rome and Han China Part I:
POLITICS
Unifying Question
WHAT IS AN EMPIRE?
Empire is the extension of political rule by one people over other, different peoples
Popular images of empire focus on monuments, opulence, power, and wealth
Actual tasks of empire include:
- Effective communication and administration- Awareness of place of
conquered peoples in empire
- Unified monetary system
Kinds of Empire?
How can we compare the way civilizations * gain* retain * lose their Empires?
The BIG Question:
ROMAN HISTORY:Mythic origins
ROMAN HISTORY:Mythic origins753-509 BCE: Ruled by foreign
kings
ROMAN HISTORY:Mythic origins753-509 BCE509-31 BCE: The Republic
Roman Republic:What was the goal of the cursus honorum?
Roman empire in 218 BC
Roman empire in 100 BC
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Roman empire in 100 BC
Roman empire at death of Caesar (44 BC)
End of Republic
ROMAN HISTORY:31 BCE-330 CE
The Principate
RES GESTAE
Principate
• Why is this a pivotal moment?• Republic princeps• Aggressive conquest pax
Romana• Period of flourishing
literature & art
PAX ROMANA
CHINA (Unit 2):Warring States Period(771-221 BCE)
EMPEROR QIN (221-206 BCE)
Legalism
Han Empire: ~200 BCE - ~200 CE