At the height of the Roman Empire, its rule extended over vast territories - their total area was about 2.51 million square kilometers. However, in the list of the largest empires in history, the Roman Empire ranks only nineteenth.

What do you think, which one is the first?

Mongolian

Russian

Spanish

British

Qing Empire

Turkic Khaganate

Empire of Japan

Arab Caliphate

Macedonian Empire

Now we will find out the correct answer...-

Millennia of human existence have passed under the sign of wars and expansions. Great states arose, grew and collapsed, which changed (and some continue to change) the face of the modern world.
An empire is the most powerful type of state, where various countries and peoples are united under the rule of a single monarch (emperor). Let's look at the ten largest empires that have ever appeared on the world stage. Oddly enough, in our list you will not find either the Roman, or the Ottoman, or even the empire of Alexander the Great - history has seen more.

10. Arab Caliphate

Population: -

State area: - 6.7

Capital: 630-656 Medina / 656 - 661 Mecca / 661 - 754 Damascus / 754 - 762 Al-Kufa / 762 - 836 Baghdad / 836 - 892 Samarra / 892 - 1258 Baghdad

Beginning of rule: 632

Fall of an Empire: 1258

The existence of this empire marked the so-called. “The Golden Era of Islam” - the period from the 7th to the 13th centuries AD. e. The caliphate was founded immediately after the death of the creator of the Muslim faith, Muhammad in 632, and the Medina community founded by the prophet became its core. Centuries of Arab conquests increased the area of ​​the empire to 13 million square meters. km, covering territories in all three parts of the Old World. By the middle of the 13th century, the Caliphate, torn apart by internal conflicts, was so weakened that it was easily captured first by the Mongols and then by the Ottomans, the founders of another great Central Asian empire.

9. Japanese Empire

Population: 97,770,000

State area: 7.4 million km2

Capital: Tokyo

Beginning of rule: 1868

Fall of the Empire: 1947

Japan is the only empire on the modern political map. Now this status is rather formal, but 70 years ago it was Tokyo that was the main center of imperialism in Asia. Japan, an ally of the Third Reich and fascist Italy, then tried to establish control over the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, sharing a vast front with the Americans. This time marked the peak of the territorial scope of the empire, which controlled almost the entire maritime space and 7.4 million square meters. km of land from Sakhalin to New Guinea.

8. Portuguese Empire

Population: 50 million (480 BC) / 35 million (330 BC)

State area: - 10.4 million km2

Capital: Coimbra, Lisbon

Fall of the Empire: October 5, 1910
Since the 16th century, the Portuguese have been looking for ways to break Spanish isolation on the Iberian Peninsula. In 1497, they discovered a sea route to India, which marked the beginning of the expansion of the Portuguese colonial empire. Three years earlier, the Treaty of Tordesillas was concluded between the “sworn neighbors,” which actually divided the then-known world between the two countries, on unfavorable terms for the Portuguese. But this did not stop them from collecting more than 10 million square meters. km of land, most of which was occupied by Brazil. The handover of Macau to the Chinese in 1999 ended Portugal's colonial history.

7. Turkic Khaganate

Area - 13 million km2

one of the largest ancient states in Asia in the history of mankind, created by a tribal union of Turks (Turkuts) led by rulers from the Ashina clan. During the period of greatest expansion (end of the 6th century) it controlled the territories of China (Manchuria), Mongolia, Altai, East Turkestan, West Turkestan (Central Asia), Kazakhstan and the North Caucasus. In addition, the tributaries of the Kaganate were Sasanian Iran, the Chinese states of Northern Zhou, Northern Qi from 576, and from the same year the Turkic Kaganate seized the Northern Caucasus and Crimea from Byzantium.

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6. French Empire

Population: -

State area: 13.5 million square meters. km

Capital: Paris

Beginning of rule: 1546

Fall of the Empire: 1940

France became the third European power (after Spain and Portugal) to become interested in the overseas territories. Since 1546, the time of the founding of New France (now Quebec, Canada), the formation of Francophonie in the world began. Having lost the American confrontation with the Anglo-Saxons, and also inspired by the conquests of Napoleon, the French occupied almost all of West Africa. In the middle of the twentieth century, the area of ​​the empire reached 13.5 million square meters. km, more than 110 million people lived in it. By 1962, most of the French colonies had become independent states.
Chinese Empire

5. Chinese Empire (Qing Empire)

Population: 383,100,000 people

State area: 14.7 million km2

Capital: Mukden (1636–1644), Beijing (1644–1912)

Beginning of rule: 1616

Fall of the Empire: 1912

The most ancient empire of Asia, the cradle of oriental culture. The first Chinese dynasties ruled from the 2nd millennium BC. e., but a unified empire was created only in 221 BC. e. During the reign of the Qing, the last monarchical dynasty of the Celestial Empire, the empire occupied a record area of ​​14.7 million square meters. km. This is 1.5 times more than the modern Chinese state, mainly due to Mongolia, now independent. In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out, putting an end to the monarchical system in China, turning the empire into a republic.

4. Spanish Empire

Population: 60 million

State area: 20,000,000 km2

Capital: Toledo (1492-1561) / Madrid (1561-1601) / Valladolid (1601-1606) / Madrid (1606-1898)

Fall of the Empire: 1898

The period of world domination of Spain began with the voyages of Columbus, which opened new horizons for Catholic missionary work and territorial expansion. In the 16th century, almost the entire Western Hemisphere was “at the feet” of the Spanish king with his “invincible armada.” It was at this time that Spain was called “the country where the sun never sets,” because its possessions covered a seventh of the land (about 20 million sq. km) and almost half of the sea routes in all corners of the planet. The greatest empires of the Incas and Aztecs fell to the conquistadors, and in their place a predominantly Spanish-speaking Latin America was formed.

3. Russian Empire

Population: 60 million

Population: 181.5 million (1916)

State area: 23,700,000 km2

Capital: St. Petersburg, Moscow

Fall of the Empire: 1917

The largest continental monarchy in human history. Its roots reach back to the times of the Moscow principality, then the kingdom. In 1721, Peter I proclaimed the imperial status of Russia, which owned vast territories from Finland to Chukotka. At the end of the 19th century, the state reached its geographical apogee: 24.5 million square meters. km, about 130 million inhabitants, over 100 ethnic groups and nationalities. Russian possessions at one time included the lands of Alaska (before its sale by the Americans in 1867), as well as part of California.

2. Mongol Empire

Population: more than 110,000,000 people (1279)

State area: 38,000,000 sq. km. (1279)

Capital: Karakorum, Khanbalik

Beginning of rule: 1206

Fall of the Empire: 1368

The greatest empire of all times and peoples, whose raison d'etre was one - war. The Great Mongolian State was formed in 1206 under the leadership of Genghis Khan, expanding over several decades to 38 million square meters. km, from the Baltic Sea to Vietnam, killing every tenth inhabitant of the Earth. By the end of the 13th century, its Uluses covered a quarter of the land and a third of the planet's population, which then numbered almost half a billion people. The ethnopolitical framework of modern Eurasia was formed on the fragments of the empire.

1. British Empire

Population: 458,000,000 people (approximately 24% of the world's population in 1922)

State area: 42.75 km2 (1922)

Capital: London

Beginning of rule: 1497

Fall of the Empire: 1949 (1997)

The British Empire is the largest state that has ever existed in the history of mankind, with colonies on all inhabited continents.
Over the 400 years of its formation, it withstood competition for world domination with other “colonial titans”: France, Holland, Spain, Portugal. During its heyday, London controlled a quarter of the world's landmass (over 34 million sq. km) on all inhabited continents, as well as vast expanses of ocean. Formally, it still exists in the form of the Commonwealth, and countries such as Canada and Australia actually remain subject to the British crown.
The international status of the English language is the main legacy of Pax Britannica. And

In our world, nothing lasts forever: after birth and blossoming, decline inevitably follows. This rule also applies to states. Over the thousands of years of history, hundreds of states have been created and collapsed. Let's find out which of them existed on Earth the longest, until they disintegrated for one reason or another. Perhaps some of them did not amaze the world with their grandeur and brilliance, but they were strong with their centuries-old history.

Portuguese Colonial Empire

560 years (1415 -1975)

The prerequisites for the creation of the Portuguese Colonial Empire appeared simultaneously with the beginning of the Great Geographical Discoveries. By 1415, Portuguese sailors, of course, had not yet reached the shores of America, but were already actively exploring the African continent, beginning the search for a short sea route to India. The Portuguese declared open lands their property, erecting forts and fortresses everywhere.

At its height, the Portuguese Colonial Empire had fortifications in West Africa, East and South Asia, India and the Americas. The Portuguese Empire became the first state in history to unite territories on four continents under its flag. Thanks to the trade in spices and jewelry, the Portuguese treasury was bursting with gold and silver, which allowed the state to exist for such a long time.

The Napoleonic wars, internal contradictions and external enemies nevertheless undermined the power of the state, and by the beginning of the 20th century there was no trace left of the former greatness of the Portuguese Colonial Empire. The empire officially ceased to exist in 1975, when democracy was established in the metropolis.

624 years (1299 AD -1923 AD)

The state, founded by Turkic tribes in 1299, reached its peak in the 17th century. The huge multinational Ottoman Empire stretched from the borders of Austria to the Caspian Sea, owning territories in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Wars with the Russian Empire, loss in the First World War, internal contradictions and constant Christian uprisings undermined the strength of the Ottoman Empire. In 1923, the monarchy was abolished, and in its place the Turkish Republic was created.

Khmer Empire

629 years (802 AD -1431 AD)

Not every person has heard of the existence of the Khmer Empire, which is one of the oldest government entities in history. The Khmer Empire was formed as a result of the unification of the Khmer tribes who lived in the 8th century AD. on the territory of Indochina. At the time of its greatest power, the Khmer Empire included the territories of Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. But its rulers did not calculate the gigantic costs of building temples and palaces, which gradually depleted the treasury. The weakened state in the first half of the 15th century was finally finished off by the invasion of the Thai tribes.

Kanem

676 years (700 AD -1376 AD)

Despite the fact that individual African tribes do not pose a threat, when united, they can create a strong and warlike state. This is exactly how the Kanem Empire was formed, located for almost 700 years in the territory of modern Libya, Nigeria and Chad.

Kanema Territory | commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kanem-Bornu.svg

The cause of the fall of a strong empire was internal strife after the death of the last emperor, who had no heirs. Taking advantage of this, various tribes located on the borders invaded the empire from different sides, hastening its fall. The surviving indigenous people were forced to leave the cities and return to a nomadic lifestyle.

Holy Roman Empire

844 years (962 AD – 1806 AD)

The Holy Roman Empire is not the same Roman Empire, whose iron legions captured almost the entire world known to ancient Europe. The Holy Roman Empire was not even located in Italy, but on the territory of modern Germany, Austria, Holland, the Czech Republic and part of Italy. The unification of the lands took place in 962, and the new Empire was intended to become a continuation of the Western Roman Empire. European order and discipline allowed this state to exist for eight and a half centuries, until the complex system of government, degraded, weakened the central power, which led to the decline and collapse of the Holy Roman Empire.

Kingdom of Silla

992 years (57 BC – 935 AD)

At the end of the first century BC. On the Korean Peninsula, three kingdoms desperately fought for a place in the sun, one of which - Silla - managed to defeat its enemies, annexed their lands and founded a powerful dynasty that lasted almost a thousand years, which ingloriously disappeared in the fires of the civil war.

994 years (980 AD -1974 AD)

We often think that before the arrival of European colonialists, Africa was a completely wild area inhabited by primitive tribes. But on the African continent there was a place for an empire that existed for almost a thousand years! Founded in 802 by united Ethiopian tribes, the empire did not last 6 years before its millennium, collapsing as a result of a coup d'etat.

1100 years (697 AD - 1797 AD)

The Most Serene Republic of Venice with its capital Venice was founded in 697 thanks to the forced unification of communities against the troops of the Lombards - Germanic tribes that settled in the upper reaches of Italy during the Great Migration. The extremely favorable geographical position at the intersection of most trade routes immediately made the Republic one of the richest and most influential states in Europe. However, the discovery of America and the sea route to India was the beginning of the end for this state. The volume of goods entering Europe through Venice decreased - traders began to prefer more convenient and safe sea routes. The Republic of Venice finally ceased to exist in 1797, when Venice was occupied by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte without resistance.

Papal States

1118 years (752 AD – 1870 AD)

Papal States | Wikipedia

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the influence of Christianity in Europe grew increasingly stronger: influential people adopted Christianity, entire lands were given to churches, and donations were made. The day was not far off when the Catholic Church would gain political power in Europe: this happened in 752, when the Frankish king Pepin the Short gave the pope a large region in the center of the Apennine Peninsula. Since then, the power of popes has fluctuated depending on the place of religion in European society: from absolute power in the Middle Ages, to a gradual loss of influence closer to the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1870, the lands of the Papal States came under the control of Italy, and only the Vatican City, the city-state in Rome, remained for the Catholic Church.

Kingdom of Kush

about 1200 years (9th century BC – 350 AD)

The Kingdom of Kush has always been in the shadow of another state - Egypt, which at all times attracted the attention of historians and chroniclers. Located in the northern part of modern Sudan, the state of Kush posed a serious danger to its neighbors, and during its heyday it controlled almost the entire territory of Egypt. We do not know the detailed history of the kingdom of Kush, but the chronicles note that in 350 Kush was conquered by the kingdom of Aksum.

Roman Empire

1480 years (27 BC – 1453 AD)

Rome is an eternal place on seven hills! At least, that’s what the inhabitants of the Western Roman Empire thought: it seemed that the eternal city would never fall to the onslaught of enemies. But times have changed: 500 years after the civil war and the founding of the empire, Rome was conquered by invading Germanic tribes, marking the fall of the western part of the empire. However, the Eastern Roman Empire, often called Byzantium, continued to exist until 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Turks.

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10

• Square: 13 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 720 – 750

A feudal state that existed from 661 to 750. The ruling dynasty is the Umayyads. The capital was in Damascus. The head of state is the caliph. Spiritual and secular power was concentrated in his hands, which was passed on by inheritance. The Umayyad Caliphate continued the aggressive policy of the Righteous Caliphate and conquered North Africa, part of the Iberian Peninsula, Central Asia, Sind, Tabaristan and Jurjan.

9

• Square: 13 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 557

One of the largest ancient states in Asia in the history of mankind, created by Turkic tribes led by rulers from the Ashina clan. During the period of greatest expansion (end of the 6th century) it controlled the territories of China (Manchuria), Mongolia, Altai, East Turkestan, West Turkestan (Central Asia), Kazakhstan and the North Caucasus. In addition, the tributaries of the Kaganate were Sasanian Iran, the Chinese states of Northern Zhou, Northern Qi from 576, and from the same year the Turkic Kaganate seized the Northern Caucasus and Crimea from Byzantium.

8

• Square: 14 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1310

Mongol state, the main part of whose territory was China (1271-1368). Founded by Genghis Khan's grandson, the Mongol Khan Kublai Khan, who completed the conquest of China in 1279. The dynasty fell as a result of the Red Turban Rebellion of 1351-1368.

7

• Square: 14.5 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1721

The official name of the Russian state in the period from 1547 to 1721. The predecessor of the Russian kingdom was Appanage Rus', as well as the Moscow principality. In 1547, Prince Ivan IV (the Terrible) was crowned the first Russian Tsar. He dissolved all fiefs and declared himself the only king. The Russian kingdom thus received centralized control and hope for stability in the country.

6

• Square: 14.7 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1790

Was the last imperial dynasty of China. She ruled the country from 1644 to 1912, with a brief restoration in 1917 (the latter lasting only 11 days). The Qing era was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China. The multicultural Qing Empire lasted for almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for the modern Chinese state. Qing China reached its greatest size in the 18th century, when it extended its rule over 18 traditional provinces, as well as the territories of modern Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, Outer Mongolia, Xinjiang and Tibet.

5

• Square: 20 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1790

The set of territories and colonies that were under the direct control of Spain in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The Spanish Empire, at the height of its power, was one of the largest empires in world history. Its creation is associated with the beginning of the era of great geographical discoveries, during which it became one of the first colonial empires. The Spanish Empire existed from the 15th century until the end of the 20th century.

4

• Square: 22.4 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1945 – 1991

A state that existed from 1922 to 1991 on the territory of Eastern Europe, Northern, and parts of Central and Eastern Asia. The USSR occupied almost 1/6 of the Earth's inhabited landmass; at the time of its collapse it was the largest country in the world by area. Formed on the territory that by 1917 was occupied by the Russian Empire without Finland, part of the Polish Kingdom and some other territories.

3

• Square: 23.7 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1866

Was the largest continental monarchy that ever existed. According to the general census of 1897, the population was 129 million people. During the February Revolution of 1917, the monarchy collapses. During the Civil War of 1918-1921, a general collapse of statehood occurred; up to 80 short-lived states were formed on the territory of the former Russian Empire; by 1924, most of this territory was united into the USSR.

2

• Square: 38 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1265 – 1361

A state that emerged in the 13th century as a result of the conquests of Genghis Khan and his successors and included the largest contiguous territory in world history from the Danube to the Sea of ​​Japan and from Novgorod to Southeast Asia. During its heyday, it included vast territories of Central Asia, Southern Siberia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, China and Tibet. In the second half of the 13th century, the empire began to disintegrate into uluses, headed by the Chingizids. The largest fragments of Great Mongolia were the Yuan Empire, the Ulus of Jochi (Golden Horde), the state of the Hulaguids and the Chagatai Ulus.

1

• Square: 42.75 million km 2
• Highest bloom: 1918

The largest state that has ever existed in the history of mankind, with colonies on all inhabited continents. The total population of the empire was approximately 480 million people. Currently, the United Kingdom retains sovereignty over 14 territories outside the British Isles. In 2002 they received the status of British Overseas Territories. Some of these areas are uninhabited. The rest have varying degrees of self-government and are dependent on Britain for foreign affairs and defense.

Incredible facts

Throughout human history, we have seen empires rise and fall into oblivion over decades, centuries, and even millennia. If it is true that history repeats itself, then perhaps we can learn from the mistakes and better understand the achievements of the world's most powerful and longest-lived empires.

Empire is a difficult word to define. Although this term is thrown around very often, it is nevertheless often used in the wrong context and misrepresents the political location of the country. The simplest definition describes a political unit that exercises control over another political body. Basically, these are countries or groups of people who control the political decisions of a smaller unit.

The term "hegemony" is often used along with empire, but there are significant differences between the two, just as there are obvious differences between the concepts of "leader" and "bully". Hegemony operates as an agreed upon set of international rules, while empire produces and implements those same rules. Hegemony represents the dominant influence of one group over other groups, however, it requires the consent of the majority in order for that leading group to remain in power.

Which empires in history lasted the longest, and what can we learn from them? Below we look at these past kingdoms, how they formed, and the factors that ultimately led to their downfall.

10. Portuguese Empire

The Portuguese Empire is remembered for having one of the strongest navies the world has ever seen. A lesser-known fact is that it did not “disappear” from the face of the earth until 1999. The kingdom lasted for 584 years. It was the first global empire in history, spanning four continents, and began in 1415 when the Portuguese captured the Muslim North African city of Cueta. Expansion continued as they moved into Africa, India, Asia and the Americas.

After World War II, decolonization efforts intensified in many areas, with many European countries "seceding" from their colonies around the world. This did not happen to Portugal until 1999, when it finally gave up Macau in China, signaling the "end" of the empire.

The Portuguese Empire was able to expand so much because of its superior weapons, naval superiority, and ability to quickly build ports to trade sugar, slaves, and gold. She also had enough strength to conquer new peoples and gain lands. But, as is the case with most empires throughout history, the conquered areas eventually sought to reclaim their lands back.

The Portuguese Empire collapsed for several reasons, including international pressure and economic tension.

9. Ottoman Empire

At the height of its power, the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents and encompassed a wide range of cultures, religions and languages. Despite these differences, the empire was able to flourish for 623 years, from 1299 to 1922.

The Ottoman Empire got its start as a small Turkish state after the weakened Byzantine Empire left the region. Osman I pushed the boundaries of his empire outward, relying on strong judicial, educational, and military systems, as well as a unique method of transferring power. The empire continued to expand and eventually conquered Constantinople in 1453 and spread its influence deep into Europe and North Africa. The civil wars of the early 1900s that immediately followed World War I, as well as the Arab Revolt, signaled the beginning of the end. At the end of World War I, the Treaty of Sèvres divided much of the Ottoman Empire. The final point was the Turkish War of Independence, as a result of which Constantinople fell in 1922.

Inflation, competition and unemployment are cited as key factors in the demise of the Ottoman Empire. Each part of this massive empire was culturally and economically diverse, and their inhabitants ultimately wanted to break free.

8. Khmer Empire

Little is known about the Khmer Empire, however, its capital city of Angkor was said to be very impressive, thanks in large part to Angkor Wat, one of the world's largest religious monuments, built at the zenith of its power. The Khmer Empire began in 802 AD when Jayavarman II was proclaimed king of the region that is now Cambodia. 630 years later, in 1432, the empire came to an end.

Some of what we know about this empire comes from stone murals found in the region, and some information comes from Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan, who traveled to Angkor in 1296 and published a book about his experiences. Almost the entire time the empire existed, it tried to capture more and more new territories. Angkor was the main home of the nobility during the second period of the empire. When the power of the Khmers began to weaken, neighboring civilizations began to fight for control of Angkor.

There are many theories as to why the empire collapsed. Some believe that the king converted to Buddhism, which led to the loss of workers, degeneration of the water system, and ultimately very poor harvests. Others claim that the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai conquered Angkor in the 1400s. Another theory suggests that the last straw was the transfer of power to the city of Oudong, while Angkor remained abandoned.

7. Ethiopian Empire

Considering the duration of the Ethiopian Empire, we know surprisingly little about it. Ethiopia and Liberia were the only African countries that managed to resist the European “Scramble for Africa”. The long existence of the empire began in 1270, when the Solomonid dynasty overthrew the Zagwe dynasty, declaring that they owned the rights to this land, as King Solomon bequeathed. From then on, the dynasty subsequently grew into an empire by uniting new civilizations under its rule.

All this continued until 1895, when Italy declared war on the empire, and that’s when the problems began. In 1935, Benito Mussolini ordered his soldiers to invade Ethiopia and the war raged there for seven months, leading to Italy being declared the winner of the war. From 1936 to 1941, Italians ruled the country.

The Ethiopian Empire did not greatly expand its borders or exhaust its resources, as we saw in previous examples. Rather, Ethiopia's resources have become more powerful, in particular, we are talking about huge coffee plantations. Civil wars contributed to the weakening of the empire, however, at the head of everything, it was still Italy's desire to expand, which led to the fall of Ethiopia.

6. Kanem Empire

We know very little about the Kanem Empire and how its people lived, most of our knowledge comes from a text document discovered in 1851 called Girgam. Over time, Islam became their main religion, however, as expected, the introduction of religion could cause internal strife in the early years of the empire. The Kanem Empire was created around 700 and lasted until 1376. It was located in what is now Chad, Libya and part of Nigeria.

According to a document found, the Zaghawa people founded their capital in 700 in the city of N'jimi. The history of the empire is divided between two dynasties - Duguwa and Sayfawa (which was the driving force that brought Islam). Its expansion continues. and during the period when the king declared a holy war, or jihad, on all the surrounding tribes.

The military system designed to facilitate jihad was based on the state principles of hereditary nobility, in which soldiers received part of the lands they conquered, while the lands remained in their possession for many years, even their sons could dispose of them. This system led to a civil war that weakened the empire and left it vulnerable to attack by external enemies. The Bulala invaders were able to quickly seize control of the capital and eventually take control of the empire in 1376.

The lesson of the Kanem Empire shows how bad decisions provoke internal conflict, leaving once powerful people defenseless. Similar developments are repeated throughout history.

5. Holy Roman Empire

The Holy Roman Empire was seen as a revival of the Western Roman Empire, and it was also considered a political counterweight to the Roman Catholic Church. Its name, however, comes from the fact that the emperor was chosen by voters, but he was crowned by the pope in Rome. The empire lasted from 962 to 1806 and occupied a fairly vast territory, which is now Central Europe, primarily including most of Germany.

The Empire began when Otto I was proclaimed King of Germany, however, he later became known as the first Holy Roman Emperor. The Empire consisted of 300 different territories, however, after the Thirty Years' War in 1648, it was fragmented, thereby planting the seeds of independence.

In 1792, there was an uprising in France. By 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte forced the last Holy Roman Emperor, Francis II, to abdicate, after which the empire was renamed the Confederation of the Rhine. Like the Ottoman and Portuguese Empires, the Holy Roman Empire was made up of various ethnic groups and smaller kingdoms. Ultimately, the desire of these kingdoms to gain independence led to the collapse of the empire.

4. Silla Empire

Little is known about the beginnings of the Silla Empire, but by the sixth century it was a highly complex society based on descent, in which lineage decided everything from the clothes a person could wear to the work activities he was allowed to do. . Although this system helped the empire initially acquire large amounts of land, it ultimately led to its demise.

The Silla Empire began in 57 BC. and occupied territory that currently belongs to North and South Korea. Kin Park Hyeokgeose was the first ruler of the empire. During his reign, the empire continually expanded, conquering more and more kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula. Eventually, a monarchy was formed. The Chinese Tang Dynasty and the Silla Empire were at war in the seventh century, however, the dynasty was defeated.

A century of civil war among high-ranking families, as well as among the defeated kingdoms, left the empire doomed. Eventually, in 935 AD, the empire ceased to exist and became part of the new state of Goryeo, with which it fought a war in the 7th century. Historians do not know the exact circumstances that led to the demise of the Silla Empire, however, the general view is that neighboring countries were unhappy with the continued expansion of the empire through the Korean Peninsula. Numerous theories agree that smaller kingdoms struck to gain sovereignty.

3. Venetian Republic

The pride of the Venetian Republic was its massive navy, which allowed it to quickly prove its power throughout Europe and the Mediterranean by conquering such important historical cities as Cyprus and Crete. The Republic of Venice lasted an amazing 1,100 years, from 697 to 1797. It all started when the Western Roman Empire fought Italy, and when the Venetians declared Paolo Lucio Anafesto their duke. The empire went through several significant changes, however, it gradually expanded and became what is now known as the Republic of Venice, feuding with the Turks and the Ottoman Empire, among others.

A large number of wars significantly weakened the defensive forces of the empire. The city of Piedmont soon submitted to France, and Napoleon Bonaparte captured part of the empire. When Napoleon issued an ultimatum, Doge Ludovico Manin surrendered in 1797, and Napoleon began to rule Venice.

The Republic of Venice is a classic example of how an empire that extends over vast distances is unable to defend its capital. Unlike other empires, it was not civil wars that killed it, but wars with its neighbors. The highly prized Venetian navy, which was once invincible, was spread too far and was unable to defend its own empire.

2. Empire of Kush

The Kush Empire lasted from approximately 1070 BC. to 350 AD and occupied territory that currently belongs to the Republic of Sudan. Throughout its long history, very little information has survived about the political structure of the region, however, there is evidence of monarchies in the last years of its existence. However, the Kush Empire ruled over several smaller countries in the region and managed to retain power. The empire's economy was heavily dependent on the trade in iron and gold.

Some evidence suggests that the empire was attacked by desert tribes, while others believe that over-reliance on iron led to deforestation, forcing the people to disperse.

Other empires fell because they exploited their own people or neighboring countries, however, the deforestation theory believes that the Kush Empire fell because it destroyed its own lands. Both the rise and fall of the empire turned out to be fatally connected with the same industry.

1. Eastern Roman Empire

The Roman Empire is not only one of the most famous in history, it is also the longest lasting empire. It went through several eras, but, in fact, lasted since 27 BC. to 1453 AD – a total of 1480 years. The republics that preceded it were destroyed by civil wars, and Julius Caesar became dictator. The empire expanded into modern-day Italy and much of the Mediterranean region. The empire had great power, but Emperor Diocletian in the third century "introduced" a key factor to ensure the long-term success and prosperity of the empire. He determined that two emperors could rule, thereby easing the stress of taking over large amounts of territory. Thus, the foundations were laid for the possibility of the existence of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.

The Western Roman Empire dissolved in 476 when German troops rebelled and overthrew Romulus Augustus from the imperial throne. The Eastern Roman Empire continued to flourish after 476, becoming better known as the Byzantine Empire.

Class conflicts led to the civil war of 1341-1347, which not only reduced the number of small states that comprised the Byzantine Empire, but also allowed the short-lived Serbian Empire to rule for a short period of time in some areas of the Byzantine Empire. Social upheaval and plague contributed to the further weakening of the kingdom. Combined with growing unrest in the empire, plague and social unrest, it eventually fell when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453.

Despite the strategy of co-emperor Diocletian, which undoubtedly greatly increased the "lifespan" of the Roman Empire, it suffered the same fate as other empires whose massive expansion eventually provoked various ethnic peoples to fight for sovereignty.

These were the longest-lasting empires in history, but each had its own weaknesses, whether it was the use of land or people, none of the empires was able to contain social unrest caused by class divisions, unemployment or lack of resources.

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The continuous struggle for territorial dominance, possession of resources and endless wars are the basis of human history. Seizing the lands of nearby peoples and entire countries, huge empires appeared in different parts.

But great empires, which liked to call themselves “Eternals,” appeared on the world map and safely disappeared from it after different times. However, some of the huge empires left behind traces that are felt in politics and the lives of ordinary people to this day.

The greatest empires in human history

Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire, 550 – 330 BC)

Cyrus II is considered the founder of the Persian Empire. He began his conquests in 550 BC. e. with the subjugation of Media, after which Armenia, Parthia, Cappadocia and the Lydian kingdom were conquered. Did not become an obstacle to the expansion of the empire of Cyrus and Babylon, whose powerful walls fell in 539 BC. e.

While conquering neighboring territories, the Persians tried not to destroy the conquered cities, but, if possible, to preserve them. Cyrus restored captured Jerusalem, like many Phoenician cities, facilitating the return of Jews from Babylonian captivity.

The Persian Empire under Cyrus extended its possessions from Central Asia to the Aegean Sea. Only Egypt remained unconquered. The country of the pharaohs submitted to the heir of Cyrus, Cambyses II. However, the empire reached its peak under Darius I, who switched from conquests to internal politics. In particular, the king divided the empire into 20 satrapies, which completely coincided with the territories of the captured states.

In 330 BC. e. The weakening Persian Empire fell under the onslaught of the troops of Alexander the Great.

Roman Empire (27 BC – 476)

Ancient Rome was the first state in which the ruler received the title of emperor. Beginning with Octavian Augustus, the 500-year history of the Roman Empire had a direct impact on European civilization and also left a cultural mark on the countries of North Africa and the Middle East.

The uniqueness of Ancient Rome is that it was the only state whose possessions included the entire Mediterranean coast.

At the height of the Roman Empire, its territories extended from the British Isles to the Persian Gulf. According to historians, by 117 the population of the empire reached 88 million people, which was approximately 25% of the total number of inhabitants of the planet.

Architecture, construction, art, law, economics, military affairs, the principles of government of Ancient Rome - this is what the foundation of the entire European civilization is based on. It was in imperial Rome that Christianity accepted the status of a state religion and began its spread throughout the world.

Byzantine Empire (395 – 1453)

The Byzantine Empire has no equal in the length of its history. Originating at the end of antiquity, it existed until the end of the European Middle Ages. For more than a thousand years, Byzantium was a kind of connecting link between the civilizations of the East and West, influencing both the states of Europe and Asia Minor.

But if Western European and Middle Eastern countries inherited the rich material culture of Byzantium, then the Old Russian state turned out to be the successor to its spirituality. Constantinople fell, but the Orthodox world found its new capital in Moscow.

Located at the crossroads of trade routes, rich Byzantium was a coveted land for neighboring states. Having reached its maximum borders in the first centuries after the collapse of the Roman Empire, then it was forced to defend its possessions. In 1453, Byzantium could not resist a more powerful enemy - the Ottoman Empire. With the capture of Constantinople, the road to Europe was open for the Turks.

Arab Caliphate (632-1258)

As a result of Muslim conquests in the 7th–9th centuries, the theocratic Islamic state of the Arab Caliphate arose in the entire Middle Eastern region, as well as in certain regions of Transcaucasia, Central Asia, North Africa and Spain. The period of the Caliphate went down in history as the “Golden Age of Islam”, as the time of the highest flowering of Islamic science and culture.

One of the caliphs of the Arab state, Umar I, purposefully secured the character of a militant church for the Caliphate, encouraging religious zeal in his subordinates and prohibiting them from owning land property in the conquered countries. Umar motivated this by the fact that “the interests of the landowner attract him more to peaceful activities than to war.”

In 1036, the invasion of the Seljuk Turks was disastrous for the Caliphate, but the defeat of the Islamic state was completed by the Mongols.

Caliph An-Nasir, wanting to expand his possessions, turned to Genghis Khan for help, and unknowingly opened the way for the destruction of the Muslim East by the Mongol horde of thousands.

Holy Roman Empire (962-1806)

The Holy Roman Empire is an interstate entity that existed in Europe from 962 to 1806. The core of the empire was Germany, which was joined by the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, as well as some regions of France during the period of the highest prosperity of the state.

Almost the entire period of the empire's existence, its structure had the character of a theocratic feudal state, in which the emperors laid claim to supreme power in the Christian world. However, the struggle with the papal throne and the desire to possess Italy significantly weakened the central power of the empire.

In the 17th century, Austria and Prussia moved to leading positions in the Holy Roman Empire. But very soon the antagonism of two influential members of the empire, which resulted in a policy of conquest, threatened the integrity of their common home. The end of the empire in 1806 was marked by the strengthening France led by Napoleon.

Ottoman Empire (1299–1922)

In 1299, Osman I created a Turkic state in the Middle East, which was destined to exist for more than 600 years and radically influence the fate of the countries of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the date when the Ottoman Empire finally gained a foothold in Europe.

The period of the greatest power of the Ottoman Empire occurred in the 16th-17th centuries, but the state achieved its greatest conquests under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

The borders of the empire of Suleiman I extended from Eritrea in the south to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the north, from Algeria in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east.

The period from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century was marked by bloody military conflicts between the Ottoman Empire and Russia. Territorial disputes between the two states mainly revolved around Crimea and Transcaucasia. They were brought to an end by the First World War, as a result of which the Ottoman Empire, divided between the Entente countries, ceased to exist.

Russian Empire (1721–1917, until 1991 - in the form of the USSR, and to this day in the form of the Russian Federation)

The history of the Russian Empire dates back to October 22, 1721, after Peter I accepted the title of All-Russian Emperor. From that time until 1905, the monarch who became the head of the state was endowed with absolute power.

In terms of area, the Russian Empire was second only to the Mongol and British empires - 21,799,825 square meters. km, and was the second (after British) in terms of population - about 178 million people.

Constant expansion of territory is a characteristic feature of the Russian Empire. But if the advance to the east was mostly peaceful, then in the west and south Russia had to prove its territorial claims through numerous wars - with Sweden, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and the British Empire.

The growth of the Russian Empire has always been viewed with particular caution by the West. The negative perception of Russia was facilitated by the appearance of the so-called “Testament of Peter the Great,” a document fabricated in 1812 by French political circles. “The Russian state must establish power over all of Europe” is one of the key phrases of the Testament, which will haunt the minds of Europeans for a long time.

Mongol Empire (1206–1368)

The Mongol Empire is the largest state formation in history by territory.

During the period of its power, towards the end of the 13th century, the empire extended from the Sea of ​​Japan to the banks of the Danube. The total area of ​​the Mongols' possessions reached 38 million square meters. km.

Given the enormous size of the empire, managing it from the capital, Karakorum, was almost impossible. It is no coincidence that after the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, the process of gradual division of the conquered territories into separate uluses began, the most significant of which became the Golden Horde.

The economic policy of the Mongols in the occupied lands was primitive: its essence boiled down to the imposition of tribute on the conquered peoples. Everything collected went to support the needs of a huge army, according to some sources, reaching half a million people. The Mongol cavalry was the most deadly weapon of the Genghisids, which not many armies could resist.

Inter-dynastic strife destroyed the empire - it was they who stopped the expansion of the Mongols to the West. This was soon followed by the loss of the conquered territories and the capture of Karakorum by Ming dynasty troops.

British Empire (1497–1949)

The British Empire is the largest colonial power both in terms of territory and population.

The empire reached its greatest scale by the 30s of the 20th century: the land area of ​​the United Kingdom, including its colonies, totaled 34 million 650 thousand square meters. km., which accounted for approximately 22% of the earth's land. The total population of the empire reached 480 million people - every fourth inhabitant of the Earth was a subject of the British Crown.

The success of British colonial policy was facilitated by many factors: a strong army and navy, developed industry, and the art of diplomacy. The expansion of the empire significantly influenced global geopolitics. First of all, this is the spread of British technology, trade, language, and forms of government throughout the world.

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