World History to 1400 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World History to 1400 - Essay Example Another similarity between the two empires relates to their education systems. Although the Roman Empire had a more complex education system compared to that of the Chinese, the two empires emphasized on the importance of education. Leadership posts were preserved for those who had demonstrated considerable intellectual merit (Fernandez-Armesto 347). Chinese education was based on writing skills. For one to be considered for any leadership position, demonstrating these writing skills was important. The Roman Empire based its education system on 37 chapters of knowledge compiled Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman educator. Another similarity between the two empires can be seen in their view of what constituted good governance. Good governance according to both empires involved serving the needs of the people. The Roman Public Utility Services was established to keep cities clean and avoid illnesses. This involved modernizing water supply systems and building public and private baths. A small ditch on the centre of each stoned city ensured that dirty water and rainwater were drained away. Master Kong established Confucianism in Chinese Empire and ensured the affirmation of accepted values and norms of behavior in public service and social interactions (Fernandez-Armesto 349). One of the differences between the two empires can be seen in their economic structures. While the Roman Empire had taken great steps in the fields of technology and engineering, the Chinese Empire lagged behind in these fields. Specialization was rare in the Chinese Empire leading to a low rate of economic development. Farmers practiced subsistence farming (Fernandez-Armesto 441). The Roman Empire, on the other hand, had very modern ‘tastes’ and demands. Three pulley cranes and treadmills were first used in the Roman Empire (Fernandez-Armesto 441). The Romans further used technology to bring fresh water to their cities while connecting these