Which of the following answer choices states the similarities between the Roman and Han economic systems?
A. Both of their economies had limited land and sea trade routes.
B. Both of their economies relied on slave labor and the work of skilled artisans
C. Both of their economies were based on agricultural production and a combination of overland and sea trade
D. Both of their economies used a combination of round silver coins and paper money.
C. Both of their economies were based on agricultural production and a combination of overland and sea trade
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each of the answer choices and see which one states the similarities between the Roman and Han economic systems:
A. Both of their economies had limited land and sea trade routes.
This answer choice focuses on limited trade routes, which doesn't necessarily emphasize the similarities between the two economic systems. While trade routes may have been limited in both the Roman and Han empires, this answer choice does not directly state any similarities between the two systems.
B. Both of their economies relied on slave labor and the work of skilled artisans.
This answer choice highlights two important aspects of both the Roman and Han economies - the use of slave labor and the work of skilled artisans. Both societies heavily relied on these labor forces. This answer choice suggests a similarity between the two systems and their dependence on distinct types of labor.
C. Both of their economies were based on agricultural production and a combination of overland and sea trade.
This answer choice explicitly mentions two major similarities between the Roman and Han economies. Both relied on agricultural production as a fundamental aspect of their economies, and both facilitated trade through a combination of overland and sea routes. These similarities support this answer choice as being correct.
D. Both of their economies used a combination of round silver coins and paper money.
This answer choice focuses on the currency used in the two economic systems. While the Roman Empire did use coins as a primary medium of exchange, paper money was not widely used during this time. The Han Dynasty, on the other hand, did not have paper money but used round coins made of copper or bronze. Therefore, this answer choice is incorrect as it does not accurately represent the similarities between the Roman and Han economic systems.
Based on the analysis of the answer choices, the correct answer is:
C. Both of their economies were based on agricultural production and a combination of overland and sea trade.