Roman Influence vs. Tang Influence

Attribute	Roman Influence	Tang Influence
Time Period	Around 753 BC - 476 AD	618 - 907 AD
Geographical Extent	Europe, North Africa, Middle East	China, Central Asia
Government System	Republic, Empire	Imperial
Religion	Polytheistic, later Christian	Buddhism, Taoism
Architecture	Colosseum, aqueducts	Pagodas, palaces
Art	Mosaics, sculptures	Paintings, calligraphy

Introduction

Throughout history, various civilizations have left a lasting impact on the world through their culture, art, architecture, and governance. Two such influential empires were the Roman Empire and the Tang Dynasty. Both the Romans and the Tangs were known for their vast empires, advanced technologies, and rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Roman influence and Tang influence to understand the similarities and differences between these two great civilizations.

Architecture

One of the most enduring legacies of the Roman Empire is its architecture. The Romans were known for their use of arches, domes, and concrete in their buildings. The most famous example of Roman architecture is the Colosseum in Rome, which could hold up to 80,000 spectators. On the other hand, the Tang Dynasty in China also made significant contributions to architecture. The Tangs built grand palaces, temples, and pagodas, such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. Both the Romans and the Tangs used their architectural prowess to showcase their power and wealth.

Art

Art was another area where both the Romans and the Tangs excelled. Roman art was heavily influenced by Greek art, but the Romans added their own unique style to it. Roman art often depicted scenes from mythology, history, and everyday life. The Romans were also known for their realistic portraits and intricate mosaics. Similarly, Tang art in China was characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and attention to detail. Tang artists excelled in painting, sculpture, and calligraphy, creating masterpieces that are still admired today.

Trade and Commerce

Both the Roman Empire and the Tang Dynasty were major players in the ancient world when it came to trade and commerce. The Romans built an extensive network of roads, bridges, and ports to facilitate trade across their vast empire. Roman merchants traded goods such as olive oil, wine, and pottery with distant lands. Similarly, the Tang Dynasty in China was known for its flourishing trade along the Silk Road. Tang merchants traded silk, tea, and porcelain with countries as far away as Persia and Byzantium. The exchange of goods and ideas during this time had a profound impact on the development of global trade.

Government and Administration

When it comes to governance, the Roman Empire and the Tang Dynasty had different systems in place. The Romans had a complex system of government that included a Senate, consuls, and emperors. The Roman Empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a governor appointed by the emperor. In contrast, the Tang Dynasty in China had a centralized bureaucracy with a strong emperor at the helm. The Tangs implemented a civil service exam system to select government officials based on merit rather than birthright. Both the Roman and Tang governments were known for their efficiency and stability.

Religion and Beliefs

Religion played a significant role in both Roman and Tang societies. The Romans were polytheistic, worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They built temples and conducted elaborate rituals to honor their deities. Christianity eventually spread throughout the Roman Empire and became the dominant religion. On the other hand, the Tang Dynasty in China was characterized by a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Buddhist temples and monasteries dotted the landscape, and Buddhist beliefs influenced Tang art and culture. Both the Romans and the Tangs used religion as a way to unify their empires and legitimize their rule.

Legacy

Despite the differences between Roman influence and Tang influence, both civilizations left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the world today. The Roman Empire laid the foundation for Western civilization, influencing art, architecture, law, and language. The legacy of the Romans can be seen in the modern-day legal systems of many countries, as well as in the architecture of buildings such as the U.S. Capitol. Similarly, the Tang Dynasty in China is remembered for its golden age of culture and innovation. The Tangs made significant contributions to poetry, painting, and technology, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese society.