Homework Assignment #2: Asserting Imperial Authority
It is one thing to proclaim yourself emperor; it is another thing to convince others that
you are indeed in charge. This assignment looks at how two different empires – the Han
Empire in China and the Roman Empire in Europe and Northern Africa – asserted their
imperial authority. Using the evidence that follows, answer the questions: How did
the Han and Roman Empires justify and assert their imperial authority?
Compare the similarities and differences in their approaches. Be sure to
cite specific examples from the evidence to support you answers.
There are several similarities among the imperial authority of both the Han and Roman
empires. The first similarity is both empires ability to form and command an army. In the Han
excerpt, Qin is told to have said "With my own insignificant person I have raised troops," which
is similar to the excerpt from Caesar Augustus, where he states that "on my own initiative and
at my own expense I raised an army." Both these leaders claim that they, by themselves, raised
an army for their own needs. Also, both emperors had many monuments built to them. In the
Tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, there is an entire army of terra cotta soldiers that were made and
placed to defend the dead emperors body. In the Roman empire, they erected Trajan's Column,
a pillar which depicted epic scenes of the escapades. Finally, both emperors are cited having
complete power over their empires. In the Han empire, it is stated in one excerpt that several
conquered territories are in need of kings to bring order to them. But the advisors of the
emperor cannot appoint anyone to these positions without first attaining the consent of the
"Supreme One." Also, in the Roman empire, although it is said to be Republic, all the power lies
with Caesar Augustus. It is said that "the power... passed entirely into the hands of Augustus,
and from this time there was... a monarchy." Even though the Romans despised monarchies
and dictatorships, all the government authority was held by Augustus. However, there are
several differences among these empires, as well. One example is that the Han empire looked
at government as more of a spiritual blessing, as opposed to the Romans ideologies of a great
Republic. For instance, the Han empire thought signs of nature, such as natural disasters and
signs from the Heavens, gave and took away an emperor's power. But, in the Roman empire,
the emperor got his power from the senate and the people, not the Heavens. Also,
