Decline of Classical Civilizations Similarities and Differences in the collapses of the Han, Gupta and the Roman Empire

Similarities in Decline A combination of internal weakness and invasion Between 200 and 600CE, all 3 classical civs collapsed entirely or in part During the 400 years, all 3 were invaded by the pastoral nomads in Central Asia known as the Asiatic Huns All 3 civs had problems politically long before invaders affected them (Rome and Han suffered from serious internal problems and Guptas were dealing with regionalism)

The Decline of Han China By 100 CE, Confucianism was losing its influence among the bureaucrats  corruption increased Local landlords began to gain power ruling their lands as they wished became less centralized Peasants already heavily taxed were burdened with new taxes and increasing demands of the landlords; many became day laborers on large estates; some sold children into slavery Daoism overshadowed Confucianism…why? Impact? Civil war occurred  increased protest When the Xiongnu Huns invaded, the dynasty was already too weak to defend itself Han collapsed in 220 CE

Aftermath of Han Collapse Epidemics killed nearly half the population and the weak gov;t of the next dynasty was NOT doing enough to remedy the situation Regional rule and weak dynasties rose and fell…significance? Cultural unity was threatened as Buddhism (a foreign religion) spread and practiced…why would people embrace this religion? This nearly 400 years of instability is known as the Era of Division or the Era of Six Dynasties (220 -589); the Sui Dynasty would revive China from 589-618 and then the Tang in 618 brought back glories of Han…meaning? All in all, there was NO permanent disruption! The classical structure of China was too strong to be overturned; what remained, although weakened for a while, was the bureaucracy, Confucianism; dynastic cycle and mandate of heaven. The Xiongnu eventually assimilated.

The Decline of Gupta India The decline of India was less drastic than Han China only because India is not known for its strong unifying politics By the 5th century, Gupta leaders were having trouble controlling regional princes By 500 CE, the White Huns were invading Northern India; the empire collapsed in 535 CE

Aftermath of Gupta Collapse As in China, the White Huns assimilated in Indi What religion would they convert to? became part of Kshatriya Caste) For several centuries, no native ruler was able to build a large centralized state Achievements in science and math declined as well as the economy Even after collapse, many continuities existed: regionalism lasted for many centuries Buddhism continued to decline in India Hinduism remained the dominant religion caste system still helped define the political, economic and social way of life Tamil kingdom continued to have strong merchant activity

Decline of the Roman Empire More disruptive than the two Asian Classical Empires Decay occurred after 180 CE…why? Weak emperors ruled fairly consistently until collapse in 476 Plagues swept over the empire…how come China and Rome were both affected? The population decreased from 1 million to 250,000 Hard to recruit troops for Legion (army) Germanic soldiers were hired to guard frontier…were they loyal? Rome’s upper classes became lazy and consumed by pleasure…impact on bureaucracy and economy? Little to no innovation in science, math, arts and literature Farmers turned to large landholders for protection which began decentralization and the beginnings of self-sufficiency

Two Emperors who tried really hard to bring back Rome Diocletian (284-305) Attempted to reform administration and tax collecting Divided the empire into West and East…why? Insisted on being worshipped as a god to strengthen power of gov’t…what is the effect? Constantine (312-337) Set up a second capital at Constantinople…impact? Edict of Milan in 313…impact?

The Final Years of Rome Dividing the empire made the west weakness worse Legion deteriorated further Germanic invasions occurred in the 400s (moved into Europe as a result of Huns)…which part of the empire was more unprotected? Germanic Kingdoms were established in 425 and the last Roman Emperor was dethroned in 476

Aftermath of Fall of Rome Rome’s fall split the unity of the Mediterranean lands Rome did not establish as strong of a bureaucratic tradition that China had nor had Rome created a unified belief system that could unify people enough (Christianity was embraced too late)…these reasons were why Rome’s fall was more permanent than India and China The Eastern part, centered in Constantinople was a continuity and did not fall…went on to become the Byzantine Empire that would last for another 1000 years collapsing in 1453 and carrying on the legacy of preserving Greco-Roman culture…who was the Byzantine ruler that preserved Roman law? The Western portion of Rome (Italy, Spain and points north) was where the empire collapsed There was actually a reduced level of civilization after 476 in the WEST; crude regional kingdoms developed, cities shrank and trade almost disappeared, the west became DECENTRLIZED under feudalism and manorialism. BIG CONTINUITIES! Christianity was the only source of unity found throughout Europe and would remain that way for several more centuries