Download Three Important Golden Ages Three important Golden Ages in

Three Important Golden Ages
Three important Golden Ages in global history were the Pax Romana, the Han Dynasty, and the Pax
Mongolia. While each of these civilizations had unique qualities, they also had many things in
common. As you read, think about what these civilizations had in common. Read the following
information and use it to complete the graphic organizer.
The Pax Romana
Background
The Roman Republic was founded in 509 BCE. The government was run by elected officials called
Senators, who were chosen from the upper class called Patricians. The lower class, Plebeians, made up
the majority of the population and were generally farmers, artisans, and merchants.
By 270 BCE, Rome controlled all of Italy. They also soon conquered Carthage, Macedonia, Greece, and
parts of Asia Minor. This expansion led to civil war and the end of the Republic when Julius Caesar
took power in 48 BCE. After his murder, Caesar's grandnephew, Augustus, became Emperor.
Augustus’ rule began a 200 year-long peace called the Pax Romana (Pax = Peace). The Pax Romana
became a time of cultural and intellectual achievements for Rome. The Roman military
conquered and controlled a large empire. Roman control created a time of peace and protection for
the people of the empire, giving them the opportunity to trade and create technology without the
threat of war.
Achievements
During Golden Ages, people are not distracted by war or harsh living conditions. This allows them to
produce great achievements. The Romans produced great achievements in law, arts and architecture,
engineering, and math and science.
Law
Rome's greatest achievement was its system of laws. Some of the features of this system include, men
being equal under the law, having the right to face their accusers, and being considered innocent until
proven guilty. Later, these laws were written down and named the Laws of the Twelve Tables. Many
aspects of this system of justice survive today in law codes around the world.
Art & Architecture
Roman art and architecture is a blending of Greek and Roman elements. In art, Rome copied many
Greek statues, but also produced a more realistic style of portraiture art
instead of the idealized forms favored by the Greeks. In architecture, Rome
used Greek columns, but modified them to be more elaborate, as well as
using the arch and dome quite extensively, something the Greeks did not do.
An example of Roman use of arches and domes can be seen in the Pantheon.
Engineering and Technology
The Romans built engineering marvels across their empire, such as roads, harbors,
and bridges. Roads were a particularly important achievement because they
allowed the Romans to connect and control their large empire. Soldiers could be
sent quickly to any area of the empire in order to protect or subdue the people.
Roads also made trade easier and allowed for cultural diffusion throughout the
empire.
The Romans were also well known for the building of aqueducts, which were bridge like structures
used to carry fresh water across long distances. In Segovia, Spain the Roman aqueduct still functions
today.
Science and Medicine
As with Hellenistic civilization, Alexandria, Egypt remained a center of learning under the Romans. In
Roman controlled Alexandria, the astronomer - mathematician Ptolemy proposed that the earth was
the center of the universe. The geocentric model offered by Ptolemy was the accepted view until
Copernicus offered the heliocentric, or sun centered theory of the universe. In medicine, the Greek
physician Galen compiled an encyclopedia that became the standard medical text until the Islamic
doctor Ibn Sina wrote his Canon on Medicine.
Han Dynasty 206 BCE – 220 CE
Background Information
China enjoyed a true golden age under the Han. Many cultural and intellectual achievements came as a
result of the strong leadership of the Emperor Wudi. Under Wudi, China strengthened both its
government and economy, setting the conditions for the golden age.
Achievements
Trade and Roads
This period saw an expansion of trade with the opening of the Silk Road as a major trade route. Trade
along the Silk Road brought China in contact with other civilizations, and introduced new products
such as cucumbers and grapes. The Silk Road increased trade and cultural diffusion.
Civil Service Exam
Under the Han, Confucianism became the official belief system of China.
Confucianism is based on the teachings of the Chinese thinker Confucius.
Confucius lived in China during the Chou Dynasty, when there was mass disorder and
confusion and degrading moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to
be the fracturing of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense
of social order and mutual respect. It was taught that if everyone knew their place in society and didn’t try to
rebel, then society would be orderly.
The Han setup a Civil Service Exam based on Confucianism. This exam was required to enter service
in the government. The Confucian system of government was used in China for most of the last 2000
years.
Science and Technology
Han scientists wrote textbooks on subjects ranging from zoology to
botany and chemistry. They were advanced astronomers, which
enabled them to create more accurate clocks. Han scientist also
invented the process to make paper from wood pulp; they invented
the rudder for use on ships, and created other such useful devices as
the fishing reel and the wheelbarrow.
Han physicians developed acupuncture to alleviate pain and to treat
various illnesses. They also made use of certain plants as herbal remedies. They were able to
diagnose and successfully treat various illnesses with these techniques.
Han artists and architects are noted for their detailed carvings in jade, wood, or ivory, and the building
of elaborate temples. The also refined the process of silk making, which set the standard in China for
centuries.
Pax Mongolia
Background
The Mongols of central Asia were nomadic herders who roamed the grasslands with their horses and
sheep. The Mongols were skillful riders and fierce fighters and raiders. Under their leader Genghis
Khan, the Mongols built the largest empire in the world.
Genghis Khan was born with the name Temujin in centrail Asia in the
1100s. After experiencing a difficult boyhood, Temujin became a
courageous warrior and a skilled leader. As supreme ruler of the
Mongol clans, he earned the title Genghis Khan, which meant “World
Emperor.”
With his organized armies, Genghis Khan took most of Asia from
Korea in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west. His armies advanced
into Persia, India, and even northern China.
One grandson of Genghis Khan led Mongol armies into Russia and
other lands of Eastern Europe between 1236 and 1241. Known as the Golden Horde because of the
color of their tents, this group conquered many Russian cities. The Mongols ruled Russia for about
250 years, and had a great long-term impact on Russia.
Political stability throughout much of Asia resulted from Mongol rule. This period of stability, known
as the Pax Mongolia, allowed for an exchange of goods and ideas between the East and the West.
Achievements
Military Technology
There were several reasons for these Mongol victories. The Mongols were skilled
horsemen and bowmen. They used the stirrup, a pair of loops attached to each side
of a horse's saddle to support the rider's foot. Stirrups allowed Mongol riders to have
better control of the horse as they rode during battles. They also borrowed new
military technology, such as cannons, from the Chinese and the Turks.
Stirrup
Impact on Russia
Mongol control had a big impact on Russia. The absolute power of the Mongol rulers served as a
model for later Russian rulers who practice absolutism. They wanted to rule without inference from
groups such as nobles or the church. Mongol Rule also cut Russia off from Western Europe. This
isolation deprived Russia of many advances in the arts and sciences of the later Middle Ages and
Renaissance.
Political Stability and Trade
In the centuries before the rise of the Mongols, the Silk Road, the trade route
that linked China to the Middle East, had become dangerous. Traders used it
less. The Mongols, however, provided safe passage along the Silk Road; as a
result, trade flourished. Products such as gunpowder and porcelain, as well
as technology such as papermaking and the use of windmills, flowed west.
Safer travel meant that people could explore other lands. Marco Polo, an
Italian merchant, traveled to the court of Kublai Khan in the late 1200s and
remained for many years. His writings introduced Europeans t o the beauty
and riches of China.