| In all regional civilizations, new structures emerged that were significantly different from the classical imperial societies. In China, India, and the western Roman Empire, imperial traditions were interrupted, and only in China was a restoration possible. However, in China the restored empire emerged in a postclassical form dominated by the scholar-gentry. In eastern Rome and the Middle East, there was continuity of imperial unity, but the basic nature of the imperial community was transformed. In all regional civilizations, the basis of identity shifted from imperial unity to community identified by religion or cultural worldview. | 1 |
