Final answer:
The social hierarchy provided corresponds to the classes in ancient Rome with a detailed comparison to the feudal system in medieval Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social hierarchy mentioned: Emperor, government officials, the wealthy, the poor, & the merchants, corresponds to the classes in ancient Rome. This hierarchy was a complex system with the emperor at the top, followed by senators and equestrians who formed the government officials and wealthy class. Below them were the plebeians or common people, who were generally poor and included the merchants. The ancient Roman society was deeply stratified, and the social classes played a crucial role in determining one's influence and opportunities.
Just like the feudal system in medieval Europe, where the land-owning nobles and monarchs held the most power, the ancient Roman classes held significant disparities in wealth and living conditions. However, unlike feudal Europe where serfs were tied to the land they farmed for noble landowners, ancient Romans had some mobility within the lower classes, and merchants could sometimes acquire wealth and prestige.
Answer: c) Classes in ancient Rome