The Empires of the Past Essay Example for Free

The Empires of the Past Essay The modern world is shaped by different cultures and beliefs that are rooted from the past. Moreover, most of the strategies and techniques used in architecture, policy making and trade are also handed down from former civilizations. The three most prominent empires that highly influenced modern day culture are the Roman, Gupta and Han empires. These empires rise and fall almost simultaneously while leaving behind a great legacy. Acquisition The Roman Empire (27 B. C. – 476 A. D. ) was acquired after years of civil wars. These wars resulted from the fall of the Roman Republic. It started when the Roman Senate designated Octavious as Agustus. Augustus succeeded in capturing the hearts of the populace. In the process, he successfully managed to end the civil wars across the Roman territory and unite them under one rule. The Gupta empire (320-550 A. D. ) proliferated in the Northern India. It started when different states become reunited under the Gupta’s influence. Furthermore, the empire extends through extensive military conquest to the surrounding states. Han Dynasty started during about 206 B. C until 220 A. D. Economic expansion had been the foremost strategy that expands Han’s territory. Although, they also established military supremacy. Like the Roman and Gupta Empire, the Han dynasty also worked towards to create a united China. Rule The Roman Empire tried to tolerate most of the religion in their territory; however, the government is somehow against Christianity. During the empire’s reign, the people experienced a wide divergence of cultures and beliefs. Arts, mathematics and literature where central to education. The Gupta Empire also invests on education of literature, mathematics and astronomy. They also tolerate different beliefs and tradition especially the prevalence of Hinduism and Buddhism. Han dynasty, while investing in trade and education, promotes philosophical structures of Taoism and Confucianism. They incorporate these traditions into their political and civil systems. All of the empires are believed to encompass the ‘golden age’ in each area. Roman Empire prospered during the Pax Romana. The Gupta Empire had been well-known during the time when trade was abundant in South Asia. Han dynasty reached new regions as it expand its territory and established the ‘Silk Road’ where most merchants enter and live China. Collapse The reign of the different empires started with the goal of reuniting or uniting the different states within and beyond their actual territories. Nonetheless, the expansion later led to lack of sufficient control. Although, bureaucracy was established in all empires, due to several differences, the populace revolts against the government. In the case of the Roman Empire, the fall of the empire was commonly attributed to the rise of Christianity and the economic problems during those years. The Gupta Empire was said to have declined after the invasion of the Huns which caused their trade to falter and raised tension among different regions. Han dynasty was believed to collapse due to corruptions among the officials of the government. Small farmers were mostly the victim of such corruption. Civil wars broke since the people were against the government. Conclusion The impact and legacy of the three different empires discussed are far-reaching. Christianity is still in existence and the prominence of Roman Culture is still significant as of today. Their tradition and heritage, as well as their rhetoric and arts are still studied in various schools and university. Architectures and political structure are highly scrutinized and admired. The regions acquired by the Gupta dynasty resemble most of modern day’s India. The culture and religion that exist before are still in existence. Han dynasty focuses on trade and commerce. These trade expertise and traditions are still adapted by Chinese after communism failed. Modern China has intermixed Taoism and Confucianism as a religion and a way of life. Works Cited Stearns, P. N. Documents in World History. 4th edition. Longman, 2005. Brummett, P. J. , Edgar, R. R. , Hackett, N. J. , Jewsbury, G. F. and Molony, B. S. Civilizations Past and Present Volume 1 to 1650. 11th edition. Longman, 2005.