Throughout human history, we have witnessed numerous empires rise and fall. Humanity can learn much from the achievements and mistakes of these great empires that shaped the past.
The Longest-Lasting Empires in History
1. Roman Empire
The Roman Empire is not only one of the most famous empires but also one of the longest-lasting in history. It spanned from 27 BC to 1453 AD, existing for a total of approximately 1,480 years. This empire expanded its territory across what is now Italy and much of the Mediterranean region.
The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD when Emperor Romulus Augustus was overthrown. The Eastern Roman Empire continued to carry the legacy of Rome for centuries after, known today as the Byzantine Empire. This empire was eventually overthrown by the Ottomans in 1453.
The Roman Empire lasted from 27 BC to 1453 AD.
2. Kush Empire
The Kush Empire existed from 1070 BC to around 350 AD. The territory of this empire corresponds to present-day Sudan. Historians have found very little information about the political structure of this empire, with scant documents available regarding its monarchy in its later years.
The economy of the Kush Empire was primarily based on iron and gold trade. Some evidence suggests that the empire was attacked by desert tribes. However, others speculate that heavy reliance on iron resources led to severe deforestation, forcing people to leave their homes as the government rampaged through forests in search of iron.
3. Venetian Empire
The pride of the Venetian Empire was its massive navy, which allowed the nation to expand its territory across Europe and the Mediterranean. Ultimately, it conquered historically significant lands such as Cyprus and Crete. The Venetian Empire lasted for about 1,100 years (from 697 AD to 1797 AD), with its capital located in what is now the Republic of Venice.
In 1797, Napoleon’s forces destroyed and took control of this empire. Unlike other empires that faded due to civil wars, the Venetian Empire collapsed due to wars with neighboring countries. Additionally, overconfidence in its naval power led to a thinly spread military, making it easier for enemies to breach its defenses.
4. Silla Empire
Historians have found very little detailed information about the early stages of the Silla Empire. However, some records from the 6th century indicate that social status and clothing were based on lineage, which determined the roles of different classes.
The Silla Empire began forming in 57 BC, covering what is now North and South Korea. King Park Hyeok-geose was the first to rule this land. Under his reign, the Silla Empire continuously expanded its territory and conquered several other kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula. By the 7th century, the empire engaged in conflicts with the Tang dynasty (China) in the Goryeo region, successfully defending its territory during those battles.
However, a century-long civil war among high-ranking officials led to the downfall of the Silla Empire. By 935 AD, the empire became part of Goryeo territory.
5. Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire existed from 962 AD to 1806 AD, primarily encompassing Central Europe, especially much of present-day Germany. The empire was founded when Otto I declared himself King of Germany, becoming known as the first king of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Holy Roman Empire consisted of about 300 territories. After the Thirty Years’ War, which ended in 1648, the empire was divided into numerous independent nations. In 1792, France also rebelled, and by 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the last emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Francis II, forcing him to abdicate. The area was then reorganized as the Rhine Confederation.
6. Kanem Empire
We know very little about the Kanem Empire, with most information based on a document discovered in 1851 called Girgam. This Islamic empire, which had its capital in what is now Chad, Libya, and part of Niger, was established around 700 AD and lasted until its dissolution in 1376 AD.
According to some records, the Zaghawa people founded their first capital in 700 AD, naming it N’jimi. The history of this empire is divided between two different dynasties: Duguwa and Sayfawa. Later, a king declared a holy war against surrounding tribes to expand territory. The military system of that time was led by the nobility and passed down in a hereditary manner. This weakened the power structure of the Kanem Empire, ultimately leading to civil war. Subsequently, Bulala invaded and quickly captured N’jimi in 1376, eventually controlling the entire territory of the Kanem Empire.
7. Ethiopian Empire
The Ethiopian Empire began around 1270 AD when the Solomonid dynasty overthrew the Zagwe dynasty. At that time, the Solomonids claimed ownership of lands believed to belong to King Solomon.
By 1895, Italy declared war on the Ethiopian Empire, which began to weaken. In 1935, Benito Mussolini ordered Italian soldiers to invade Ethiopia. This conflict lasted seven months, resulting in an Italian victory. From 1936 to 1941, Italy ruled Ethiopia.
8. Khmer Empire
Angkor Thom Temple – the remnants of the Khmer Empire.
Very little information exists about the Khmer Empire; however, the city of Angkor is believed to be inspiring and is part of what led to the famous Angkor Wat temple, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. This construction was built during the peak of the Khmer Empire. The Khmer Empire began around 802 AD when Jayavarman II declared himself king in the area now known as Cambodia. This empire lasted for 630 years, declining in 1432.
Most of the kings of this empire engaged in wars to defend and expand their territory. Angkor became the capital of the empire during the latter half of its reign. Subsequently, neighboring civilizations fought for control of Angkor as the power of the Khmer Empire began to wane. Various hypotheses have been proposed regarding the decline of the Khmer Empire. Some believe that a king adopted Theravada Buddhism to govern the country, leading to a weakening of the administrative system and the empire’s eventual downfall. Others suggest that the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai conquered Angkor in the 1400s.
9. Ottoman Empire
At its height, the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents, encompassing numerous cultures, religions, and languages. Despite its differences, the empire managed prosperous colonies for 623 years (from 1299 AD to 1922 AD).
The Ottoman Empire originated as a small Turkish state after the Byzantine Empire weakened and retreated from the region. The empire gradually expanded its territory through a robust judicial, educational, and military system, along with a unique method of power transfer. Inflation, competition, and unemployment were key factors contributing to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
10. The Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire is well-known for possessing one of the strongest naval forces in the world. This empire lasted for 584 years, marking it as the first global empire in history, spanning across four continents. The story began in 1415 when the Portuguese conquered Ceuta, a Muslim city in North Africa. They then continued to expand their territories in Africa, India, Asia, and eventually the Americas.
After World War II, many European countries struggled to break free from Portuguese colonial rule. By 1999, Portugal lost control of Macau to China, signaling the end of this once-mighty empire.
