Download Mr. Bedard Watertown High School Ancient Civilizations Golden

Mr. Bedard
Watertown High School
Ancient Civilizations Golden Age Essay
December 8, 2016
Ancient River Valley Civilizations:
The Golden Ages of Han, China and Gupta, India
Culture can be defined as the identity of human beings. Culture involves a group of
humans’ religion, language and art. Culture is often shaped by the geographic features within
close proximity to the group. A golden age is a time when a particular group of people, within a
civilization, reach its height. This essay will address the Han and Gupta empires.
The Han were a ruling family (also known as a dynasty) for many years in ancient China.
China is located in East Asia and is profoundly affected by many different physical features.
The Han dynasty was when ancient China reached its peak. One of the great achievements of the
Han dynasty was the development of paper and printing. This achievement is very similar to the
Egyptians use of papyrus. Papyrus is a plant that grows along the banks of the Nile River. The
Han were also responsible for opening up, perhaps, the most extensive trans-continental trading
route in all of history. This trading network became known as the Silk Road. The Silk Road is
very similar to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers of Mesopotamia because they are each
responsible for the spread of goods and ideas from one place to another. The Han dynasty also
invented the steering rudder. Today paper is used for educational purposes and the steering
rudder allows for trans-oceanic trade in any direction. Trade is good because it creates jobs.
The Gupta Empire of India developed a highly advanced culture. History has labeled
their reign as a ‘golden age’ of trade, higher learning and many other achievements. One of the
great achievements of the Gupta was the development of a small-pox vaccine. Vaccines that
prevent the spreading of fatal diseases allow a population to be healthy and grow. When a group
of people develop ways to treat deadly diseases, they are ensuring that the maximum amount of
adults can work in society. Work is good for the economy. Vaccines also ensure that the
maximum amounts of children are healthy enough to go to school and learn various skills that
will allow them to join the work-force. The small-pox vaccine is very similar to the acupuncture
developed by the Han of China. The Gupta also built public hospitals for the citizens of their
empire. The Gupta created decimals and used algebra.
A golden age is a time of peace and prosperity. It is a time of advanced learning,
beautiful art and architecture, trade and bountiful agriculture. The Han of China and the Gupta
of India both elevated their cultures to profoundly high levels. The Han opened up the Silk Road
and the Gupta invented decimals. Both empires were profoundly advanced and continue to
impact the world today. The world still trades and builds hospitals for its people.