Dynastais agus Fealsanachdan na Sìona

### China's Early Dynasties and Philosophies

Between 500 BCE and 200 BCE, Chinese philosophers focused on establishing a stable society and understanding the physical world.
Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism were significant schools of thought impacting Chinese culture during this period.
The Zhou Dynasty, lasting from 1122 BCE to 256 BCE, was China's longest dynasty, but it experienced chaos and decline.
Confucius, a philosopher, advocated for harmony with the universe to achieve prosperity. Duty and humanity were essential elements for this goal.
Confucianism promotes the importance of creating harmony within society; righteousness in the heart leads to beauty in character, leading to harmony in the home, order in the nation, and peace in the world.

### The Qin Dynasty

Qin Shihuangdi, the first Qin emperor, united China after a period of civil war.
His reign lasted a short time, but he made significant changes influencing future dynasties.
These changes included an improved road system, a standardized monetary system, redistribution of land, and increases in tax revenue. These changes strengthened the central government.
The Qin Dynasty is remembered for its swift unification of China amongst many other important historical aspects.

### The Han Dynasty

Another long-lasting dynasty, the Han Dynasty, succeeded the Qin.
Established administrative structures based on earlier dynasties, but adopted the Confucian ideology.
The Han Dynasty had its own unique achievements and contributions, emphasizing moderation and ethics through good governance, similar to Confucius' ideals.
One significant development within the Han Dynasty was a government-run school focused on government service, promoting merit-based selection of officials, contrasting with the inherited positions of previous eras.

### Roman Early Beginning

Ancient Italy had fertile lands in a strategic location, which made it a crucial trade hub and easily defensible against pirates.
The arrival of Indo-Europeans and Greeks in Italy profoundly influenced Italian culture through architecture, sculpture, and literature.
Approximately 900 years before Christ, Rome transformed into an extremely powerful empire due to many key factors including their strategic locations and military strength.
In 509 BCE, Rome transitioned from a monarchy to a republic following the overthrow of their last King, initiating a period of considerable political and structural shifts.

### Roman Political Structure

Roman society was divided into two main classes: patricians (the wealthy landowners who held power) and plebeians (the less affluent, including laborers, craftsmen, and merchants).
Plebeians often faced unequal treatment compared to their wealthier counterparts, which led to conflicts.
The struggle between the patricians and plebeians, known as the Struggle of the Orders, lasted for centuries.
Political reforms were introduced through several acts and agreements that provided plebeians with equal rights such as marry whoever they desired and vote in political decision-making.

Rome expanded through warfare in the Mediterranean, conquering numerous territories during the Punic Wars.
This expansion led to immense wealth but also strained the republic's social and political structures.
The rise of powerful generals like Hannibal presented both challenges and opportunities.
Corruption within Roman politics along with numerous conflicts often contributed to civil unrest and political instability.

Following a series of civil wars and the assassination of Julius Caesar, Octavian (later known as Augustus) ultimately emerged as the first Roman emperor.
This marked the beginning of the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire saw a long period of peace and prosperity before and during the rule of Augustus.
Many critical factors, including military strength, political skill, and economic stability, were crucial to the successful development of the Roman Empire.

### Roman Successors

Several emperors followed Augustus, some achieving peace and stability (the Pax Romana).
Various emperors were involved in the successes and failures of the Roman Empire.
During the rule of important Roman Emperors, there were several achievements, developments, and contributions to infrastructure in Roman society.

### Roman Family Life and Slavery

The Roman family was a patriarchal institution.
Slavery was prevalent in Roman society, with slaves performing various tasks, and living difficult conditions.
Slaves in Rome were subject to harsh treatment and had little legal recourse.
A famous slave revolt led by Spartacus.