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Roman Technology Dbq

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During the time between 1 AD and 1000 AD, the Han and Roman classic civilizations had general similarities when it came to attitude towards technology, however, due to their governments, needs, and types of technology, the Han were more pro-technology than the Romans were. Through the documents provided, it is proven that technology is what helps Han China stay efficient through its time as an empire. On the contrary, the documents also show the Romans had a large dislike for technology due to their love of labor systems and thoughts on the importance of manual labor. The views of technology in each of these civilizations were major factors in the lives of people in Han China and Rome and affected the success of the empires, eventually causing …show more content…

This is shown in Document 4, when an upper-class Roman political leader, Cicero is explaining what real “gentlemen” should do, which, according to him, is “labor”. Also in this document, Cicero calls craftsmen “vulgar and unbecoming”, showing that most of the Roman citizens in the higher classes have no respect for those of the lower class. (Document 4). Then, in the sixth document, another upper-class Roman Philosopher and advisor to Emperor Nero, Seneca, is speaking about his views on craftsmen saying that people who invented very important and useful technology, such as the hammer, were “not elevated” (Document 6). This once again shows how Roman high-class has no respect for others below them, even if what they do is much more beneficial to the state. In Document 5, a Greek-born Roman citizen and high official, finally shows some respect for what technology could have done for the Romans. Plutarch is the man that says this, which is most likely addressed to all of the plebeians he leads, stating how Rome depends on it laborers to get work done, in this case, building roads to make a more functional empire. He says that “they paid attention to utility as well as what was beneficial to grace and beauty” (Document 5). He also mentions “horses being mounted” which is referring to higher class citizens who own horses, showing how the Romans did not care for the lower class once again. The Romans had a lesser opinion of technology, even though they still used it, they thought of it as not as important as manual labor and did not appreciate it as much as the

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