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Technological Advancements And Contributions Of The Roman And Han Empire

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Throughout Eurasia, in the time period of 200 BCE-200 CE, both the Roman and Han dynasty were flourishing empires; that participated in the expansion of commerce, specifically through the Silk Road, production, and developing new technologies. (context). Although both empires were emerging from previous states, their attitudes of technology differ from each other and themselves. In the Han dynasty, they had many technological advances through the work of their people,and common people were making technological advancements out of need, for more efficiency; therefore, the chinese were more acceptant of this creators (although poor). The elite Romans had a different view, they thought these common people were low and crude. An old english proverb states that necessity is the mother of invention. The poor peasants of the han dynasty had plenty of reason to invent. As soon as a new efficient method was discovered it was used widespread. In a discourse given by Huan Guan it states “ Now that the state has monopolized the salt and iron trades, most of the tools provided to the workers are hard and brittle and the responsible government officials are often not available to take complaints...salt and iron are now sold at very high prices..common people cannot afford to buy either” (doc 2) He was giving this lecture to other high government officials, to address this problem. (aud) This shows a understanding, and capable perspective. The Han officials were observant,
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