Late+Classical+Period+(200+CE+to+600+CE)


 * __Collapse of the Han__**
 * The Han was the strongest and most long-lasting dynasty of China
 * Began decline around 100 c.e., 200 c.e. they were officially in decline
 * There were downturns in agricultural production
 * Overall, their economy started sucking; "economic slump"
 * There was political corruption
 * Weak leadership also contributed
 * Outside invaders made it hard to protect China's borders
 * In 220 c.e., the Han Dynasty ended
 * In the next 3 1/2 centuries, minor dynasties rose and fell


 * __Collapse of the Roman Empire__**
 * From 200 c.e. and onward, Rome was in crisis.
 * The eastern half of the Roman Empire broke away into the Byzantine Empire
 * Overextension of military and political strength actually made the Roman Empire hard to govern
 * The army had a lot of control and power
 * The economy experienced a lot of downturns
 * Invaders, like Asiatic and Germanic barbarians, like the HUNS, attacked Rome for more than 4 centuries
 * Rome was exposed to barbaric invasion
 * Rome city sacked by Gothic tribes 410 c.e.
 * Goths took over the city completely 476 c.e.
 * Historians believe that year, 476 c.e., was the end of the Classical Roman Empire

Source for Han and Roman Empire info: Barron's Review book, pgs 65-67 Source for Gupta: 5 Steps, pg 73
 * Here are some similarities in the comparison of both empires' downfalls:**
 * Both empires experienced political strife
 * Both empires experienced economic downturns
 * Both empires had troubles with invaders
 * Both empires were strong and powerful prior the start of their decline, due to conquest and effective administration
 * __Collapse of Gupta India__**
 * Due to invaders, though less devastating than Han China
 * By 500 c.e., they experienced numerous invasions by nomads
 * These nomads may have been related to the Huns, which also drove the Germanic Peoples into the Roman Empire
 * Influence of Gupta rulers was in decline
 * Local princes became more powerful
 * Until around 600 c.e., nomads drove farther into central India
 * India turned into regional fragments where princes ruled (called Rajput)
 * Political decline was due to invaders (darn those nomads.)
 * However, Indian culture still continued
 * Buddhism became less popular
 * Hinduism gained popularity and followers

Source:http://hivskeptic.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bantumigration.jpg
 * __Map of Bantu Migration:__**

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE: []
 * __Map of The Huns' Migration__**
 * 204 BCE - 216 CE
 * At north, Siberia;
 * south, Tibet - Kashmir;
 * east, Pacific Ocean;
 * west, Caspian Sea; (Total Area - 18,000,000 Km 2)
 * Founder - Mete (Bagatir, Maotun, Batur)

__** Source:http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wggerman/map/germantribes.htm
 * __Map of Germanic Tribes Migrations

__**Map of Polynesian Migrations **__ Source: []

The Development of Interregional networks by 600 CE-
Trade: Silk Road Trade: Indian Ocean Trade: Trans- Saharan Trade:
 * Around 180 CE, trade in the Roman Empire declined, and this is said to have contributed to it's fall.
 * In 100 CE, the Han dynasty in China was declining also due to a drop in trade
 * Indian merchants connected the people of Southeast Asia into long distance trading routes.
 * Indians also influenced the Greeks to start trading.
 * Greek merchants bring Christianity to Ethiopia in the fourth century CE
 * Example of pastoral nomads trading with established civilizations.
 * Silk road trade connects China and Mesopotamia in the last millenium BCE- it's been around for a LONG time.
 * Connected East and West Eurasia
 * Also traded ideas, belief systems, technology- like the compass.
 * included land routes from Central Asia and Europe
 * and Sea lanes in the Indian ocean.
 * depended on monsoon winds
 * Through this, Hinduism and Buddhism spread in Southeast Asia.
 * Most important developments of the area: use of camels and camel saddles.
 * Traded Salt and Palm oil.
 * North Africa gave olives, wheat and wild animals to the Roman Empire