Compare the Causes for the Collapse of the Han Empire and the Western Part of the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire and Han Empire controlled large amounts of land. The amount of land helped to create many problems which led to their falls. They both have similarities and differences in which attributed to the collapse. They are similar in that they fell because of political corruption, spreading of a new religion, and economic decline. They differ in that Han Empire fell because of rebellions (Yellow Turban Rebellion). Also, they differ in that the Roman Empire fell because of tribal invasion from Germanic tribes.

The corruption of a leader(s)/ruler(s) can create havoc in many parts of a civilization. In the Roman Empire, there was unequal representation of the citizens of the Roman Empire. The Roman Senate is composed of 200 lifelong members who are patriarchs (highest social class). The Senate is usually greedy and will steer towards the sight of more money. Also, there was unjust representation for plebeians in the government. Most to all government actions were made by and for patricians. Like the Roman Empire, the Han Empire faced many political difficulties. During the first Century a 2 year old boy inherited the throne, but because he was too young to take control. A replacement, named Wang Mang, appointed himself as King and later seized the throne for his lineage. He was known as the socialist emperor, enforcing strict land ownership laws. Both the Han Empire and the Roman Empire faced many political problems which led to their fall.

Religion can change societies in many ways. Christianity was a developing religion in the Roman Empire. The idea of a religion of salvation was appealing to the Roman citizens. Christianity started as a segment of Judaism before the Jesus of Nazareth. The Roman Empire's government saw Christianity as a threat. Christianity grew a large community which could have been seen threatening to the Roman government. The Roman government tried to cease the growth of Christian followers, but followers grew too fast. In the Han Dynasty, Buddhism was a rapidly growing religion. China went through many religions which changed social/political structures. Buddhism was spread into China through trade. The moral beliefs of Buddhism were very different then the Han Empire's beliefs. The increase of Buddhist followers in China helped to bring down the Han Dynasty as Christianity did to the Roman Empire.

Both the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire faced economic difficulties. The Roman Empire controlled large amounts of land; the majority of the Mediterranean region. The expenses of their empire significantly were greater than their revenue. This led to bankruptcy to the Empire. Trying to stimulate the economy, Emperor Diocletian stabilized the currency which actually an inflation. Also, unemployment was a great problem in Rome. There was a large economical distinction between the Upper Class and the Lower Class. The Han Empire also bared economic problems. Alike the Roman Empire, there