CHAPTER 10

Interactions in the Late Classical Period

IN THIS CHAPTER

Summary: The classical period came to an end with the weakening and fall of the empires of Rome,
Han China, and Gupta India to invaders. The fall of the three great classical empires showed a number
of similarities. At the same time, the late classical period featured increased interactions among the
classical empires and other peoples of Asia, the Indian Ocean basin, and the Mediterranean world.

Key Terms

Hsiung-nu
Huns
latifundia
Silk Roads
White huns

Han China

The Han dynasty of China began to decline around 100 CE. Among the causes of its decline were:

• Heavy taxes levied on peasants
• Decline of interest in Confucian intellectual goals
• Poor harvests
• Population decline from epidemic disease
• Social unrest, particularly by students
• Decline in morality
• Weak emperors and the increased influence of army generals
• Unequal land distribution