Who were the Xiongnu and how did Wudi respond to them?
They were a nomadic community, which dominated central Asia. They were a significant threat to Han Empire and the army considered them as cause of trouble to the success of Silk Road trade. This was contributed by their numerous attacks on traders during the Silk Road trade.
Wudi was the emperor of Han dynasty. He was a great revolutionary leader who brought immense change in Hang Empire. During his era, his army was able to conquer Xiongnu and expanded Han territory to east and west of Asia. He also ensured there was security during the Silk Road Trade. This made the king more famous and many countries started engaging in trade with Han Empire. This also increased the demand for silk that meant more financial returns for the Han Empire. In addition, they were able to get more goods like salt from other traders (Hardy & Kinney, 2005).
How did the Silk Road work? What were the items traded and on what route. What impact did it have on Chinese Culture?
It was the main trade route in China. Its name originates from the main product silk, which China traded with her neighbors and other continents. It moved from east to west, ancient China to Europe and other continents. It was a lonely road, isolated, hazardous route due to Xiongnu attacks. It was a major route from Byzantium to China. It also connected China to Indian, Europe and Africa. Various goods were traded along the Silk Road, which include Chinese jades, plagues, animal products, medicine, new technologies, inventions and innovations (Hardy & Kinney, 2005).
Silk was the most traded item because of its high demand and long distance transportation. Chinese received grapes, Lucerne and horses. It had both positive and adverse impact on Chinese culture. There were cultural assimilations, borrowing of new cultural practices and introduction of religious institutions. There was introduction of Islamic religion and Buddhist. The main challenge, which affected the trade, was the Xiongnu bandits who used to attack and steal goods from Traders. During the period, the Emperor was able to conquer the Xiongnu and extended the Empire.
Compare and contrast roman and hang empires. What qualities did they have in common? How did they differ?
Han Empire was founded by Liu bhang, who was peasant rebel leader in China in 206 BC -20 CE. It was divided into eastern and western periods. It depended on the locations of the capitals, which included Changan, Luoyang, and xu chang. Xu chang capital hosted the law courts. This empire existed in period of political experimental, economic prosperity, cultural integration and scientific and technological advancements. They also initiated territorial expansions and exploration of new venture.
Emperor Julius Ceaser established the Roman Empire in 27th BC. He was a famous king who spearheaded the era of civilization in Roman Empire. The Roman Empire and Han Empire had both similarities and differences. Julius Ceaser and Emperor Wudi were icon leaders as far as history of the world is documented (Hardy & Kinney, 2005).
The two empires experienced political conflicts and civil wars. The Roman and Han empires were ancient kingdoms, which expanded their territories through conquering. They also traded together with their neighbors and were the first empires to experience civilization. Rebels and dictators founded both empires. The Roman Empire was a religious dynasty while the Han did not have any religious affiliations. The Han Empire culture was diluted during the Silk Road trade. Traders from other continents introduced their cultural values and beliefs to Han residents. This was assimilated in their cultural values. The two emperors brought revolution to their empires and world as a whole. The Roman Empire existed for a longer period comparing to Hans Empire, which collapsed during the world civilization era (Hardy & Kinney, 2005).
Who were the players who sought power Hans’s court. Did the means they used reflect the difference in their position?
The primary role of court was to listen and settle trade disputes. It served the Han Empire and the neighboring countries, which engaged in trade with the Chinese. The players did not have equal power since the Han government dedicated how disputes could be settled. Emperor Wudi introduced the Han courts after he conquered the Xiongnu who posed a big security threat to the trade and controlled the court. The courts also looked at the social related disputes, which occurred within the Han Empire such as the armies, silk farmers, rice and other rural peasants (Hardy & Kinney, 2005).
