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Essay / The creation of complex societies and empires in Europe and Asia
The creation of complex societies and empires in Europe/Mediterranean and Asia had many similarities, as well as differences. The similarities between the creation of complex societies and empires consisted of skilled workers in specific fields, enjoying social rank among their people, and specialized laborers, including farmers, brick masons, and metal workers. Social rankings in Europe/Mediterranean under the leadership of Hammurabi from 1792 to 1750 BC consisted of three classes; the upper class consisted of royals, priests and merchants, the middle class consisted of commoners and peasants, while slaves made up the lowest class. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The social hierarchy in Asia has been built around four distinct classes determined at birth. Brahmin priests were among the highest ranking citizens, followed by warriors, farmers and merchants and the lowest class was workers. Emperors used rankings to categorize their citizens. Priests were considered the highest in rank, followed by rulers and warriors, followed by farmers and shepherds. Complex societies and empires were also agricultural areas. Complex societies and empires differ in various ways. Complex societies are ruled by kings and empires are ruled by emperors. Kings would rule over small territories, called city-states. The king's job would be to collect taxes and enforce laws that involved activities such as trade, marriage, and criminal acts, to name a few. Emperors were known as the supreme ruler. Emperors would be responsible for making laws and would then appoint several judges to enforce them. Similarities are revealed throughout these chapters. Both regions have access to bodies of water, such as the Tigris and Ganges, which are necessary for agriculture. Both regions used metals to develop the tools needed for agriculture. Writings were another similarity between the two regions, as well as established social classes. Differences between the two regions were also apparent. Europe had difficulty growing crops such as wild rice, while Asian farmers managed to plant wheat and barley. Europe was divided into 35 different city-states and Asia was divided into three regions. Europeans paid debt with grain or silver while Asians used coins in 500 BCE. Europe developed a writing system with seven hundred symbols, images and summaries, used to record trade or gifts. Asia had a writing system made up of four hundred to five hundred different signs, which still remain to be deciphered. Culture has shaped government throughout history. Whether we look at Copan, the Mayan city-state, or the Roman city-state, the norms and beliefs of the groups impacted the style of government. The ruler of Copan, also the commander of the army, was the highest-ranking person in the region. When the ruler died, a special council appointed his son or younger brother to rule. Between 500 and 272 BCE, we find that the Roman city-state was a monarchy, where the king ruled alongside an elite group of the richest men in Rome. Like Copan, the wealthy nobles of Rome..