Compare And Contrast Ashoka And Shi Huangdi

Two men, both similar and different, each had a unique governing style. From a time of chaotic strive within their nations; each had a way to subside such conflict. In the Classical Age, Ashoka and Shi Huangdi had similar governing styles, in that they had a similar political and economic vision of success for their empire; however differed in philosophies that influenced their governing styles because Ashoka eventually renounced his brutality and became a peaceful and tolerant ruler. Through-out each man’s rule, walls stretching the length of an empire and towers of stone were built, but the means by which they were created varied greatly. Under Ashoka and Shi Huangdi’s rule extensive building projects were carried out. Ashoka had pillar edicts, and Shi Huangdi had the Great Wall. Both of these building projects displayed the authority and control these men had. In addition to being a marvel to look at, Ashoka’s pillar edicts were inscribed with policies and beliefs to help maintain his control over a vast amount of land. While, Ashoka and Shi Huangdi built massive structures under their rule, Shi Huangdi relied on forced labor to accomplish such tasks. The conditions these people worked under were brutal without question; when a man died from exhaustion, the others would be forced to lump his body

Both the rule of Ashoka and Shi Huangdi, led to a successful merchant class. Trading contributed to the economy of both empires; the merchants of the Mauryan Empire were greatly supported du to them bring in wealth and taxes, which is similar to the views on taxation in the Qin Dynasty. Shi Huangdi and Ashoka greatly supported the merchant class for its impact on economy, but Shi Huangdi created a uniform coin currency to measure an individual’s wealth rather than products or land. This uniformity assisted to modernize China, and allowed for easier trade from within the