Answer:
C. heavy taxation of the lower classes, who could not afford to pay the high taxes demanded of them
Explanation:
The Han Dynasty and Roman Empire are two great empires which existed in the world few decades ago that showed the civilization of the world at that time. In Han dynasty, it was in the Asian continent while the Roman empire was around the European continent.
In both cases, despite the large area of land and people covered, the rulers were ruthless in the taxation system which they adopted inorder to maintain the empires. The poor are taxed heavily inorder to maintain the livestyles of the few who are ruling them.
This actions led to subtle murmuring, outpouring of emotions and later to violent protest in the various cities within the empires. Due to the various unrests which happens, it gradually leads to the empire disintegration.