Final answer:
The Han and Roman Empires incorporated conquered neighbors and rivals in different ways. The Han Empire assimilated conquered territories and allowed cultural tolerance, while the Roman Empire used colonization and prioritized hierarchical control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Han and Roman Empires: Incorporating Conquered Neighbors and Rivals
The Han and Roman Empires employed different strategies in incorporating conquered neighbors and rivals into their respective empires.
Han Empire:
In the Han Empire, conquered territories were often assimilated into the existing imperial structure. This involved establishing a bureaucratic order, where local elites were allowed to retain some power and influence, as long as they acknowledged Han rule. The Han dynasty also adopted a policy of cultural tolerance, allowing local customs, languages, and religions to continue.
Roman Empire:
The Romans employed a policy of divide and conquer, where they would defeat one enemy at a time and try to turn their enemies against each other. They established colonies in conquered lands, acting as a first line of defense and facilitating the spread of Roman culture and language. Former enemies were sometimes transformed into loyal allies, enjoying self-government as long as they honored Roman alliances and provided troops in times of war.
Overall, while both empires incorporated conquered territories, the Han Empire focused more on assimilation and cultural tolerance, while the Roman Empire utilized colonization and a more hierarchical approach.