Discussion: Asian Empires

History 101 class unit 1 and Unit 2 discussion Homework due date Wednesday May, 24, 2017

In Unit 4, we will learn about the impact of the fall of the Roman Empire on the Mediterranean world, as well as the development of different empires in Asia. The fall of ancient Rome was due to a variety of factors, including internal corruption, the division of the empire, and especially, barbarian invasions from the east. In 313 CE, the emperor Constantine declared religious toleration in the empire, paving the way for Christianity to become the supreme religion of Europe. The division of the Roman Empire into eastern and western halves during the reign of Diocletian (r. 284-203 CE), may have helped usher in the end of the empire, and from the fourth century CE until the middle of the fifteenth century, ancient Rome lived on in the eastern, Byzantine Empire, centered in ancient Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

In Asia, we see the expansion of several significant civilizations, including the Sassanid Empire in Iran, the Gupta Empire in India, the Han Dynasty in China, and the Heian Period in Japan. The rise and fall of each of these civilizations rests on diverse factors, including the spread of disease as trade routes expanded. The Sassanid Empire in Iran was able to rival the power of the late Roman Empire and was the last major empire in the Middle East prior to the rise of Islam. In India, the Gupta Empire represented a Golden Age of the history of the sub-continent that still shapes classical Indian culture we know today.

Moving further to the east in China, the Han Dynasty created a unified state as the platform in which its empire, culture, and people were able to thrive. During this time, emphasis was placed on cultural and philosophical advancements. We will also take a look at the development of civilization in Japan. As we trace the history of Japan to the 14th century, it stands as an example of how religion, like Shintoism and Buddhism, as well as interaction with others, like the Chinese, can influence the rise and fall of empires. Through it all, Japan is still able to establish its own culture through the development of a unique system of writing, literature, and art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very important : Please notes that on the below two discussions you will have to be available to read my classmate discussion and replies at list on 3 students on with your options base on the discussions requirements

 

 

 

 

 

· Unit Topic 1 – Rome, Han China, and Gupta India ( 1-2 Pages )

The fall of Rome, Han China, and Gupta India all represent the end of significant world powers that held sway over vast territories. Disease and internal corruption, at times combined with foreign incursions, led to the collapse of formerly great imperial systems.

· Wallech, S., Daryaee, T., Hendricks, C., Negus, A. L., Wan, P. P., & Bakken, G. M. (2013). World history volume I: A concise thematic analysis (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

1. Chapter 11: The Fall of the Ancient Eurasian World- Rome, Han China, and Gupta India, pp. 203-228

Summary of the fall of the Roman Empire, including its afterlife in the Byzantine Empire in the east.

Watch Video

Fall of The Roman Empire…in the 15th Century: Crash Course World History #12 User: CrashCourse – Added: 4/12/12

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PszVWZNWVA

Overview of the factors that contributed to the rise and fall of dynasties in China, a process called the “Dynastic Cycle.”

Watch Video

China’s Dynastic Cycle User: STRATFORvideo – Added: 1/15/13

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fipy3wx0Dg

 

Unit 4.1 Discussion: Asian Empires (1-2 pages)

 

Debate with your classmates whether the dynastic cycle is unique to China or can it be connected to other civilizations throughout history. Do you believe that Sassanid Persia or Gupta India represent a form of the Dynastic Cycle as evidenced in Chinese history? Make sure to include specific examples to support your position. When responding to classmates, provide new, additional research to support or disprove their position. Make sure to use proper APA format for all citations provided and include a reference list for the citations you use.

 

Please used the below reference for APA Style with Citations

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· Unit Topic 2 – Japan and Southeast Asia

Explore the ancient history of Japan, beginning with the Jomon Period and culminating in one of Japan’s first golden ages, the Heian Era, a time when Chinese influence was particularly important in Japan.

· Ellington, L. (2009). Japan. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Publishing Group.

1. Chapter 2: History, pp. 21-34 See see the attached

Summary of Japanese history during the Heian Period (794 – 1185 CE).

 

Japan in the Heian Period and Cultural History: Crash Course World History #227

User: CrashCourse – Added: 3/04/15

YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnZEoOJ-cxE

 

Unit 4.2 Discussion: Ancient Japan (1-2 pages )

Discuss with your classmates the influence of China on the political and religious development of Japan during the first millennium CE. Debate which influence you believe to be the most important in shaping the culture of Japan. In your debate, explain if this influence had a positive or negative effect on Japan’s development and society. Make sure to provide specific examples to support your position. When responding to your classmates, include new, additional research to support or disprove their position. Make sure to use proper APA format for all citations provided and include a reference list for the citations you use.

 

Please used the below reference for APA Style with Citations

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/