Rome and China

This book provides a comparative analysis of state formation in ancient empires, specifically focusing on Rome and China. It explores their similarities and differences.

This volume, Rome and China, gathers experts to explore the intricate history of state formation in the ancient Mediterranean and early China. By presenting a series of comparative case studies, the book delves into the processes of initial developmental convergence that shaped these two remarkable civilizations. Two millennia ago, nearly half of humanity was governed by the expansive Roman Empire in the west and the Han Empire in the east, both of which exhibited striking similarities in their political structures, size, and population dynamics.

The authors examine the historical contexts that led to the emergence of these empires. In China, the Shang and Western Zhou periods laid the groundwork for a cultural framework that allowed for the consolidation of smaller polities into larger kingdoms, culminating in the unification under the Qin state. Similarly, in the Mediterranean, political fragmentation gave way to the rise of Hellenistic kingdoms and ultimately to the unification under the Roman-led confederation. Both regions experienced parallel patterns of development, leading to their eventual divisions into eastern and western halves, each facing different challenges and influences.

Rome and China aims to fill a gap in the comparative analysis of state formation by offering insights into the converging and diverging paths of these ancient empires. The volume includes a general introduction advocating for a comparative approach, an overview of state formation characteristics during the last millennium of antiquity, and six thematically connected case studies that highlight key aspects of this fascinating historical process.