Similarities of the Han Dynasty and the Rome Dynasty During Pax Romana

During the time periods of the Pax Romana and Pax Sinica, the Han Dynasty was similar to the Rome dynasty in many ways, yet differed in areas as well. They both had extensive ways to trade (Silk Road for Han, and Roadways and Mediterranean for Rome), and they both facilitated trading by using a similar form of currency so that transferring currency was not necessary. They also were comparable in their ideas for diplomacy. They both wanted to expand their empires and sought ways for smooth and effective growth. The Han Dynasty and the Rome Dynasty differed, however, in the intellectual development and philosophical department because while Rome was making advances in engineering and architecture and permitting Christianity, the Han Dynasty was advancing in sciences and making things like paper and gunpowder, and were developing the philosophy of Confucianism.

The Romans and the Hans were very similar in the way they traded. Both had a very specific way to trade that they used for almost their entire existence that helped them transfer goods safely and efficiently from one dynasty to the other. They both also formed their own form of currency that even furthered the extensive trade they had. The currency made it easier for people to negotiate on what they were trading, so instead of trading two pigs for a cart, they could now just pay a certain amount of the coins and it would be an equivalent trade.While the Romans did have the Mediterranean Sea as an effective trade route, the Hans had something very similar to the Romans extensive roadway systems in their Silk Road. The Silk Road extended over miles and miles, making trading extremely efficient and safe. Productive and efficient trade helped both of these empires' economy thrive and eventually became a critical part of their economy. When the trade collapsed in these empires, they did too eventually, because they relied so heavily on it.

Han Dynasty and the Rome Dynasty additionally shared similarities in their concept of diplomacy and citizenship, yet their implementation of these concepts were somewhat different. They both wished to expand their empires, and make it as easy as possible for people to become citizens. This influx of citizens, in turn, was one of the reasons both their economies were so expansive and well developed. Under Augustus, (Pax Romana), the Romans made many developments in making pacts with other countries to further their stability. For example, they formed alliances with Spanish countries to fight the Carthaginians. This allowed them to win the battle with Carthage, and, in turn, expand their territory. They also extended rights to the plebeians by forming the Council of Plebeians. In comparison, the Hans were famous for primarily using their military force to expand their empire. They also used their knowledge of Confucius theory to expand their territory by persuading people to submit to their way of thinking and becoming part of their empire.

The intellectual contributions of these empires is where many of their differences lied. While the Romans took focused more on architecture and engineering, the Hans looked more toward scientific advancements as a way to leave their mark. The Romans developed the first system of transferring