The Creation of Complex Societies and Empires in Europe and Asia

The creation of complex societies and empires in Europe/ Mediterranean and Asia had many similarities, as well as, differences. Similarities among the creation of complex societies and empires consisted of workers skilled in specific areas, experienced a social ranking among their people, and specialized laborers, included farmers, brick masons, and metal workers. Social rankings in Europe/Mediterranean under the leadership of Hammurabi from 1792-1750 B. C. E, consisted of three classes; the top class was the royal family, priests, and merchants, the middle class consisted of commoners and peasants, while slaves were the lowest class.

Social hierarchy in Asia was built around four distinct classes that were determined at birth. Brahmin priests were among the highest ranking citizens, followed by warriors, farmers and merchants and the lowest class were the laborers. Emperors used cast rankings when categorizing their citizens. Priests were considered the highest ranking, then the rulers and the warriors, followed by the farmers and the herders. Both complex societies and empires were also agricultural based areas. Complex societies and empires differ in a variety of ways.

Complex societies are governed by kings and empires are governed by emperors. Kings would rule over small territories, known as city states. The job of the king would be to collect taxes and enforce laws that involved activities such as, trade, marriage, and criminal acts to name a few. Emperors were known as the supreme ruler. Emperors would be responsible for making the laws and would then appoint multiple judges to enforce them. Similarities are revealed throughout these chapters. Both regions have access to bodies of water, such as, the Tigris River and the Ganges River, which are necessary for agriculture. Both regions used metals to develop tools necessary for farming. Writings were another similarity among the two regions, as well as, established social classes. Differences among the two regions were apparent as well.

Europe had difficulty growing crops, such as wild rice, while Asian farmers successfully planted wheat and barley. Europe was separated into 35 different city states and Asia was divided into three regions. Europeans paid a debt with grain or silver while Asians were using coins in 500 B. C. E. Europe developed a system of writing with seven hundred symbols, pictures and abstracts, used to record trade or donations. Asia had a writing system with four hundred to five hundred different signs, that have yet to be deciphered.

Culture has shaped government throughout history. Whether we look back at Copan, the Maya city state, or the Roman city state, the norms and the beliefs of groups had impacted the style of government. The ruler of Copan, also the commander of the army, was the highest ranking individual in the area. Upon the rulers death, a special council would appoint his son or his younger brother to reign. Between 500-272 B. C. E. , we find the Roman city-state was a monarchy, where the king ruled along with an elite group of Rome’s richest men. Like Copan, Rome’s wealthy nobles chose their successor and the rulers always came from nobility.

I believe that China had a stronger control over its territory and there are several reasons why I came to this conclusion. First, there was evidence that the First Emperor had more control over the people than even those before him. Large jobs requiring a vast amount of manpower were needed to complete major tasks throughout his reign. Evidence revealed that all men with the ability to work were kept in a recording system and used to complete these jobs when necessary. I also read about the Han and Qin dynasties leaving behind a blueprint to those rulers that followed. These plans gave future rulers a blueprint of how to govern their empires. These are a few of the reasons why I feel China had the greatest stronghold over their territory.