Comparing Qin Shi Huangdi And Caesar Augustus

Qin Shi Huangdi and Caesar Augustus’s domination of multiple empires during their different lifetimes is what lead to them gaining the title of the first emperor of their empires. With peace finally brought to their territories, they gained supreme power over all. Their commitment to honoring their title showed by the way they appealed to the people. But, having great power was a substantial responsibility. They constantly had to show dedication to their empires, so the people never doubted why they were in power. Qin and Caesar had numerous ways which showed the way they established their political authority and justification to lead. To show his political authority, Qin “created regulations and made laws intelligent.” By establishing

At only nineteen, he had his own army and freed the Republic and made himself ruler. He executed many wars throughout his lifetime and “when victorious [he] spared all citizens who sought pardon.” He did this because he wasn’t seeking to kill innocent people. He wanted to have a strong, peaceful empire. His victories allowed him to restore peace to Gallic and Spanish provinces and also to the Alps, which no other roman had been able to do. This proved his worthiness to being ruler by justifying his abilities to provide for and protect his empire. Since the Romans did not like that title of king, “he received the title Augustus by decree of the senate.” During his reign, Caesar accomplish countless things, which is why he is still talked highly about to this day. He repaired the conduits of aqueducts, dozens of temples, and completed the Julian forum and the basilica. He did these things because, like Qin, he loved and truly cared about his empire and wanted to see it flourish and restored; not broken and destroyed. His political authority grew stronger as the years went on therefore, he “attained supreme power by universal consent.” He did this by gaining the peoples respect. The people loved him so much that gave him the title of “father of the country.” Which showed how much they truly adored

Using the word ‘emperor’ doesn’t change the profuse amount of power the emperor has. Cassius says that “since the final authority for the government devolves upon them, they must be kings.” He explains that they use the title ‘emperor’ to appeal to the people, leading them to believe they actually had a say in who ruled the empire, when in reality, they did not. The rulers are trying to give the impression that they do not have as much power as they do. They do this because, they do not want to appear as if they have more power than has been giving to them. But, of course, they do. Both the Chinese and Romans are guilty of this because they do not want to lose their power. This weakens the idea that Qin and Caesar are preferable rulers than their predecessors because they still have the same amount of power. The people still do not have a voice and that’s why their ideas and policies did not last forever. Eventually with the right amount of protesting, the people always get what they