03.05.2013

A hundred years ago, countries aspired to become the most powerful and developed powers in the world, capturing more and more new territories, spreading their influence. These are the top 10 most great empires world in history. They are considered the most important and longest in existence, they were powerful and played an important role in history. Didn't make the top 10 Russian empire and even the great Macedonian empire created by Alexander the Great, and yet it was the first European empire that advanced into Asia and defeated the Persian Empire, and perhaps one of the most powerful in the ancient world. But it is believed that these 10 great empires were more important in history, brought a greater contribution.

Maya empires (c. 2000 BC-1540 AD)

This empire is long-lived, its cycle lasted almost 3500 years! This is twice as long as the life of the Roman Empire. So far, scientists know very little about the first 3,000 years, as well as about the mysterious pyramid-like structures scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Well, is it worth mentioning the famous doomsday calendar?

French Empire (1534-1962)

Second largest in history great empire- the French colonial empire, occupied 4.9 million square miles and covered almost 1/10 of total area Earth. Her influence made French one of the most common at that time, brought fashion to French architecture, culture, cuisine, etc. to all corners the globe. However, she gradually lost influence, and two world wars completely deprived her of her last strength.

Spanish Empire (1492-1976)

One of the first major empires that seized territories in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, creating colonies. For hundreds of years, it has remained one of the most important political and economic forces in the world. The main contribution to history is undoubtedly the discovery of the New World in 1492 and the spread of Christianity in the Western world.

Qing dynasty (1644-1912)

Last ruling dynasty China in its imperial past. It was founded by the Manchurian clan Aisin Gioro on the territory of modern Manchuria in 1644, grew and developed rapidly, and eventually covered all territories by the 18th century. modern China, Mongolia and even parts of Siberia. The empire covered an area of ​​more than 5,700,000 square miles. The dynasty was overthrown during the Xinhai Revolution.

Umayyad Caliphate (661-750)

One of the fastest growing great empires in history, whose age, however, was just as short. It was founded by one of the four caliphates - the Umayyad Caliphate, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad and served to spread Islam throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Sweeping away everything in its path, Islam seized power in the region and holds it to this day.

Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BC)

Most often it is called the Medo-Persian Empire. Stretching from the Indus Valley of modern Pakistan to Libya and the Balkans, this empire is the largest Asian empire in ancient history. The founder - Cyrus the Great, today is better known as the enemy of the Greek city-states during the Greco-Persian wars, who was killed by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. After his death, the empire split into two large parts and several independent territories. The model of state and bureaucracy invented in this empire still works today.

Great Ottoman Empire (1299-1922)

Became one of the largest and longest-lived great empires of the world in history. During its heyday (under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent) in the 16th century, it extended from southern borders the Holy Roman Empire to the Persian Gulf, and from the Caspian Sea to Algiers, effectively having control over for the most part southeastern Europe, western Asia and North Africa. At the beginning of the 17th century, the empire included no less than 32 provinces, along with numerous vassal states. Unfortunately, ethnic and religious tensions and competition from other powers led to a gradual disintegration in the 19th century.

Mongol Empire (1206-1368)

Despite the fact that the empire lasted only 162 years, the pace at which it grew is frightening. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan (1163-1227), the entire territory from of Eastern Europe to the Sea of ​​Japan. At its peak, it covered an area of ​​9,000,000 square miles. Perhaps the empire would have succeeded in capturing Japan if the ships had not been destroyed by the tsunami of 1274 and 1281. By the middle of the 14th century, the empire in the course internal conflicts began to gradually disintegrate and eventually split into several states.

British Empire (1603 to 1997)

In spite of short age life - only 400 years, the British Empire (in fact, several British Isles) managed to become the largest in history. At its peak in 1922, the empire dominated almost 500 million people (1/5 of the world's population at that time) and covered more than 13 million square meters. miles (1/4 of the Earth)! That empire had colonies on all continents of the world. Alas, everything comes to an end someday. After two world wars, Britain was financially devastated and after the loss of India in 1947, gradually began to lose influence and colonies.

Greater Roman Empire (27 BC to 1453)

Founded in 27 BC Octavian Augustus it existed for 1500 years! And was eventually overthrown by the Turks under the leadership of Mehmed II, who destroyed Constantinople in 1453. In 117 AD heyday came great empire. At this time, she was the most powerful on earth, although not the largest in history. The population was 56.8 million people, the territory under her rule was equal to 2,750,000 km². The impact on modern Western culture, language, literature, science is difficult to assess, because it is incredibly large.

In our world, nothing lasts forever: after birth and flourishing, sunset inevitably follows. This rule also applies to states. For thousands of years historical era hundreds of states were created and collapsed. We will find out which of them existed on Earth for the longest time, until they fell apart 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, have not yet reached the shores of America, but have already actively explored the African continent, starting the search for a short sea route to India. open lands the Portuguese declared their property, erecting forts and fortresses everywhere.

By its heyday, 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.

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. Officially, the empire 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, defeat in the First World War, internal contradictions and constant Christian uprisings undermined the strength Ottoman Empire. In 1923, the monarchy was abolished and the Republic of Turkey established in its place.

Khmer Empire

629 years (802 AD -1431 AD)

Not everyone has heard of the existence of the Khmer Empire, which is one of the oldest state entities in history. The Khmer Empire was formed as a result of the unification of the Khmer tribes living in the 8th century AD. in Indochina. During its highest 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 devastated the treasury. The weakened state in the first half of the 15th century finally finished off the invasion of the Thai tribes that had begun.

Kanem

676 years (700 AD -1376 AD)

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

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

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

Holy Roman Empire

844 (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 new Empire was intended to be a continuation of the Western Roman Empire. European order and discipline allowed this state last eight and a half centuries, until a complex system government controlled, degraded, weakened central government which led to the decline and collapse of the Holy Roman Empire.

Kingdom of Silla

992 (57 BC - 935 AD)

At the end of the first century BC. on the Korean Peninsula, three kingdoms fought desperately for a place under 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 into the fires civil war.

994 (980 AD -1974 AD)

We often think that before European colonizers, Africa was a completely wild area inhabited by primitive tribes. But on African continent found the place of an empire that existed for almost a thousand years! Founded in 802 by the united Ethiopian tribes, the empire did not “hold out” 6 years before its millennium, disintegrating as a result of a coup d'état.

1100 years (697 AD - 1797 AD)

The Most Serene Republic of Venice with its capital Venice was founded in 697 due to the forced unification of communities against the troops of the Lombards - Germanic tribes who settled in the upper reaches of Italy during the Great Migration of Nations. Extremely successful 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 has decreased - merchants began to prefer more convenient and safe sea ​​routes. The Republic of Venice finally ceased to exist in 1797, when the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte occupied Venice 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 increased more and more: influential people adopted Christianity, whole lands were given to churches, donations were made. The day was not far off when the Catholic Church would have received political power in Europe: this happened in 752, when the Frankish king Pepin the Short gave to the pope large area in the center of the Apennine Peninsula. Since then, the power of the 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 catholic church only the Vatican, a city-state in Rome, remained.

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 has 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 controlled almost the entire territory of Egypt. Detailed history We do not know the kingdom of Kush, but the chronicles note that in 350 Kush was conquered by the Aksumite kingdom.

The Roman Empire

1480 years (27 BC - 1453 AD)

Rome is an eternal place on seven hills! By at least, so the inhabitants of the Western Roman Empire thought: it seemed that the eternal City will never fall before the onslaught of enemies. But times have changed: after the civil war and the founding of the empire, 500 years passed, and Rome was conquered by the invading Germanic tribes, marking the fall of the western part of the empire. However, the Eastern Roman Empire, often referred to as Byzantium, continued to exist until 1453, when Constantinople fell under the pressure of the Turks.

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From school course history, we know about the emergence of the first states on earth with their peculiar way of life, culture and art. The distant and in many ways mysterious life of the people of past times excited and awakened the imagination. And, probably, for many it would be interesting to see maps of the greatest empires of antiquity, placed side by side. Such a comparison makes it possible to feel the size of the gigantic once state formations and the place they occupy on Earth and in the history of mankind.

The ancient empires were characterized by long-term political stability and well-established communications to the most remote outskirts, without which it is impossible to manage vast territories. All great empires have big armies: the passion for conquest was almost manic. And the rulers of such states sometimes achieved impressive success, subjugating vast lands on which gigantic empires arose. But time passed, and the giant left the stage of history.

First empire

Egypt. 3000-30 years before new era

This empire lasted three millennia - longer than any other. The state arose more than 3000 BC. e., and when the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt took place (2686-2181), the so-called ancient kingdom. The whole life of the country was connected with the Nile River, with its fertile valley and delta at mediterranean sea. The pharaoh ruled Egypt, governors and officials sat on the ground. Officers, scribes, surveyors and local priests were ranked among the elite of society. The pharaoh was considered a living deity, and he performed all the most important sacrifices himself.

The Egyptians fanatically believed in afterlife, cultural objects and majestic buildings - pyramids and temples - were dedicated to her. The walls of the burial chambers, covered with hieroglyphs, told about life ancient state more than other archaeological finds.

The history of Egypt is divided into two periods. The first - from its foundation to 332 BC, when Alexander the Great conquered the country. And the second period - the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty - the descendants of one of the commanders of Alexander the Great. In 30 BC, Egypt was conquered by a younger and mighty empire- Roman.

Cradle Western culture

Greece. 700-146 BC


The southern part of the Balkan Peninsula was inhabited by people tens of thousands of years ago. But only from the 7th century BC can one speak of Greece as a large, homogeneous in culturally education, albeit with reservations: the country was a union of city-states that united at the time of an external threat, as, for example, to repel Persian aggression.

Culture, religion and, above all, language were the framework within which the history of this country proceeded. In 510 BC, most of the cities were freed from the autocracy of the kings. Athens soon became a democracy, but only male citizens had the right to vote.

The state structure, culture and science of Greece became a model and an inexhaustible source of wisdom for almost all the later states of Europe. Already the Greek scientists were wondering about life and the universe. It was in Greece that the foundations of such sciences as medicine, mathematics, astronomy and philosophy were laid. Greek culture stopped its development when the Romans captured the country. Decisive battle happened in 146 BC near the city of Corinth, when the troops of the Greek Achaean Union were defeated.

Dominion of the "King of Kings"


Persia. 600-331 BC

In the 7th century BC nomadic tribes The Iranian highlands revolted against Assyrian rule. The victors founded the state of Media, which then, together with Babylonia and others neighboring countries turned into a world power. By the end of the 6th century BC, she, led by Cyrus II, and then his successors, who belonged to the Achaemenid dynasty, continued to conquer. In the west, the lands of the empire went to the Aegean Sea, in the east its border passed along the Indus River, in the south, in Africa, the possessions reached the first rapids of the Nile. (Most of Greece was occupied during Greco-Persian War troops of the Persian king Xerxes in 480 BC.)

The monarch was called the "King of Kings", he stood at the head of the army and was the supreme judge. The possessions were divided into 20 satrapies, where the king's viceroy ruled in his name. The subjects spoke four languages: Old Persian, Babylonian, Elamite and Aramaic.

In 331 BC, Alexander the Great defeated the hordes of Darius II, the last of the Achaemenid dynasty. Thus ended the history of this great empire.

Peace and love - for all

India. 322-185 BC

Traditions devoted to the history of India and its rulers are very fragmentary. A few information refers to the time when the founder of the religious teachings of Buddha lived (566-486 BC), the first real person in the history of India.

In the first half of the 1st millennium BC, a lot of small states. One of them - Magadha - rose thanks to successful aggressive wars. King Ashoka, who belonged to the Mauryan dynasty, expanded his possessions so much that they already occupied almost all of present-day India, Pakistan and part of Afghanistan. Officials obeyed the king administration and a strong army. At first, Ashoka was known as a cruel commander, but, becoming a follower of the Buddha, he preached peace, love and tolerance and received the nickname "Converted". This king built hospitals, fought against deforestation, and pursued a soft policy towards his people. His decrees that have come down to us, carved on rocks, columns, are the oldest, precisely dated epigraphic monuments of India, telling about the government, social relations, religion and culture.

Even before his rise, Ashoka divided the population into four castes. The first two were privileged - priests and warriors. The invasion of the Bactrian Greeks and internal strife in the country led the empire to collapse.

The beginning of more than two thousand years of history

China. 221-210 BC

During the period called in the history of China Zhanyu, many years of struggle waged by many small kingdoms brought victory to the Qin kingdom. It united the conquered lands and in 221 BC formed the first Chinese empire headed by Qin Shi Huangdi. The emperor carried out reforms that strengthened the young state. The country was divided into districts, military garrisons were established to maintain order and tranquility, a network of roads and canals was being built, the same education was introduced for officials, and a single monetary system operated throughout the kingdom. The monarch approved the order in which people were obliged to work where the interests and needs of the state required it. Even such a curious law was introduced: all wagons must have equal distance between the wheels so that they move on the same tracks. In the same reign, the Great Chinese Wall: she connected the previously built northern kingdoms separate sections defensive structures.

In 210, Qing Shi Huangdi died. But subsequent dynasties left intact the foundations of empire building laid by its founder. Anyway, last dynasty Emperors of China ceased to exist at the beginning of our century, and the borders of the state remain virtually unchanged to this day.

An army that maintains order

Rome. 509 BC - 330 AD


In 509 BC, the Romans expelled the Etruscan king Tarquinius the Proud from Rome. Rome became a republic. By 264 BC, her troops captured the entire Apennine Peninsula. After that, expansion began in all directions of the world, and by the year 117 of the new era, the state stretched its borders from west to east - from Atlantic Ocean to the Caspian Sea, and from south to north - from the rapids of the Nile and the coast of all of North Africa to the borders with Scotland and along the lower reaches of the Danube.

For 500 years, Rome was ruled by two annually elected consuls and a senate in charge of state property and finances, foreign policy, military affairs and religion.

In 30 BC, Rome becomes an empire headed by Caesar, and in essence - a monarch. The first Caesar was Augustus. A large and well-trained army participated in the construction of a huge network of roads, their total length is more than 80,000 kilometers. Excellent roads made the army very mobile and made it possible to quickly reach the most remote corners of the empire. The proconsuls appointed by Rome in the provinces - governors and officials loyal to Caesar - also helped to keep the country from disintegration. This was facilitated by the settlements of soldiers who served in the service, located in the conquered lands.

The Roman state, unlike many other giants of the past, fully met the concept of "empire". It also became a model for future applicants for world domination. European countries much was inherited from the culture of Rome, as well as the principles of building parliaments and political parties.

The uprisings of peasants, slaves and the urban plebs, the ever-increasing pressure of the Germanic and other barbarian tribes from the north forced Emperor Constantine I to move the capital of the state to the city of Byzantium, later called Constantinople. This happened in 330 AD. After Constantine, the Roman Empire was actually divided into two - Western and Eastern, which were ruled by two emperors.

Christianity - the stronghold of the empire


Byzantium. 330-1453 AD

Byzantium arose from the eastern remnants of the Roman Empire. The capital was Constantinople, founded by Emperor Constantine I in 324-330 on the site of the colony of Byzantium (hence the name of the state). From that moment began the isolation of Byzantium in the depths of the Roman Empire. Big role in the life of this state played christian religion, which became the ideological foundation of the empire and the stronghold of Orthodoxy.

Byzantium existed for over a thousand years. It reached its political and military power during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, in the 6th century AD. Just then, having a strong army, Byzantium conquered the western and southern lands former Roman Empire. But within these limits, the empire did not last long. In 1204, Constantinople fell under the blows of the crusaders, which never rose again, and in 1453 the Ottoman Turks captured the capital of Byzantium.

in the name of Allah

Arab Caliphate. 600-1258 AD

The sermons of the Prophet Muhammad laid the foundation for the religious and political movement in Western Arabia. Called "Islam", it contributed to the creation of a centralized state in Arabia. However, soon as a result successful conquests a vast Muslim empire was born - the Caliphate. The presented map shows the greatest extent of the conquests of the Arabs, who fought under the green banner of Islam. In the East, the Caliphate included the western part of India. Arab world left indelible marks in the history of mankind, in literature, mathematics and astronomy.

From the beginning of the 9th century, the Caliphate gradually begins to fall apart - weakness economic ties, the vastness of the territories subordinated to the Arabs, which had their own culture and traditions, did not contribute to unity. In 1258, the Mongols conquered Baghdad, and the Caliphate broke up into several Arab states.

Empire- when one person (monarch) has power over vast territory, which is inhabited numerous nations of different nationalities. This ranking is based on the influence, longevity and power of various empires. The list was compiled on the basis that the empire should, most time, is under the control of an emperor or king, this excludes the modern so-called empires - the United States and the Soviet Union. Below is a ranking of the ten greatest empires in the world.

At the height of its power (XVI-XVII), the Ottoman Empire was located on three continents at once, controlling most of Southeast Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. It consisted of 29 provinces and numerous vassal states, some of which were later absorbed into the empire. The Ottoman Empire has been at the center of interaction between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries. In 1922, the Ottoman Empire ceased to exist.

The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of the four Islamic Caliphates (system of government) established after the death of Muhammad. The empire under the rule of the Umayyad dynasty covered more than five million square kilometers, making it one of the largest in the world, as well as the largest Arab-Muslim empire ever established in history.

Persian Empire (Achaemenid)

Persian Empire basically united all Central Asia which consisted of many different cultures, kingdoms, empires and tribes. It was the most big empire in ancient history. At the peak of its power, the empire covered about 8 million square kilometers.

The Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire was part of the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. Permanent capital and civilizational center Byzantine Empire was Constantinople. During its existence (more than a thousand years), the empire remained one of the most powerful economic, cultural and military forces in Europe despite setbacks and loss of territory, especially during the Roman-Persian and Byzantine-Arab wars. The empire received a mortal blow in 1204 on the fourth Crusade.

The Han Dynasty is considered the golden age of Chinese history in terms of scientific achievements, technological progress, economic, cultural and political stability. Even to this day, most Chinese call themselves the Han people. Today, the Han people are considered the largest ethnic group in the world. The dynasty ruled China for nearly 400 years.

The British Empire covered more than 13 million square kilometers, which is about a quarter of the earth's landmass of our planet. The population of the empire was approximately 480 million people (approximately one-fourth of humanity). The British Empire is by far one of the most powerful empires that has ever existed in human history.

In the Middle Ages, the Holy Roman Empire was considered the "superpower" of its time. It consisted of eastern France, all of Germany, northern Italy, and part western Poland. It was officially dissolved on August 6, 1806, after which it appeared: Switzerland, Holland, Austrian Empire, Belgium, the Prussian Empire, the principalities of Liechtenstein, the Confederation of the Rhine and the first french empire.

The Russian Empire existed from 1721 until the Russian Revolution in 1917. She was the heir to the kingdom of Russia, and the predecessor Soviet Union. The Russian Empire was the third largest of the ever-existing states, second only to the British and Mongolian empires.

It all started when Temujin (later known as Genghis Khan, considered one of the most brutal rulers in history) vowed in his youth to bring the world to its knees. The Mongol Empire was the largest adjacent empire in human history. The capital of the state was the city of Karakoram. The Mongols were fearless and ruthless warriors, but they had little experience in managing such a vast territory, which caused the Mongol Empire to quickly fall.

Ancient Rome made a great contribution to the development of law, art, literature, architecture, technology, religion and language in Western world. In fact, many historians consider the Roman Empire to be the "ideal empire" because it was powerful, fair, long-lived, large, well-defended, and economically advanced. The calculation showed that from its foundation to the fall, a whopping 2214 years passed. It follows from this that the Roman Empire is the most great empire ancient world.

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The word "empire" recent times everyone has heard it, it has even become fashionable. On it lies a reflection of former grandeur and luxury. What is an empire?

Is it promising?

Dictionaries and encyclopedias offer the basic meaning of the word "empire" (from the Latin word "imperium" - power), the meaning of which, if you do not go into boring details and do not resort to dry scientific vocabulary, is as follows. Firstly, an empire is a monarchy headed by an emperor or empress (Roman However, in order for a state to become an empire, it is not enough for its ruler to simply call himself an emperor. The existence of an empire presupposes the existence of sufficiently vast controlled territories and peoples, a strong centralized power or totalitarian) And if tomorrow Prince Hans-Adam II calls himself emperor, this will not change the essence of state structure Liechtenstein (whose population is less than forty thousand people), and it will not be possible to say that this small principality is an empire (as a form of state).

Not less important

Secondly, empires are often referred to as countries that have impressive colonial possessions. In this case, the presence of the emperor is not necessary at all. For example, English kings were never called emperors, but for almost five centuries they headed british empire, which included not only Great Britain, but also big number colonies and dominions. The great empires of the world forever imprinted their names in the tablets of history, but where did they end up?

Roman Empire (27 BC - 476)

Formally, the first emperor in the history of civilization is Gaius Julius Caesar (100 - 44 BC), who had previously been a consul, and then declared a dictator for life. Realizing the need for serious reforms, Caesar passed laws that changed the political system ancient rome. Lost a role People's Assembly, Caesar's supporters were replenished with the Senate, which granted Caesar the title of emperor with the right to transfer to his descendants. Caesar began to mint gold coins with his own image. His desire for unlimited power led to a conspiracy of senators (44 BC), organized by Mark Brutus and Gaius Cassius. In fact, the first emperor was Caesar's nephew - Octavian Augustus (63 BC - 14 AD). The title of emperor in those days denoted the supreme military leader who won significant victories. Formally, it still existed, and Augustus himself was called princeps (“first among equals”), but it was under Octavian that the republic acquired the features of a monarchy similar to eastern despotic states. In 284, Emperor Diocletian (245 - 313) initiated reforms that finally turned the former Roman Republic into an empire. From that time on, the emperor began to be called dominus - master. In 395, the state was divided into two parts - Eastern (capital - Constantinople) and Western (capital - Rome) - each of which was headed by its own emperor. Such was the will of Emperor Theodosius, who on the eve of his death divided the state between his sons. During the last period of its existence Western empire was subjected to constant barbarian invasions, and in 476, once powerful state will be finally defeated by the barbarian commander Odoacer (about 431 - 496), who will rule only Italy, renouncing both the title of emperor and other possessions of the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome, great empires will rise one after another.

Byzantine Empire (IV - XV centuries)

The Byzantine Empire originates from the Eastern Roman Empire. When Odoacer overthrew the latter, he took from him the dignity of power and sent them to Constantinople. There is only one Sun on earth, and the emperor must also be alone - approximately the same importance was attached to this act. located at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa, its borders stretched from the Euphrates to the Danube. Christianity played a major role in the strengthening of Byzantium, which in 381 became state religion throughout the Roman Empire. The Fathers of the Church asserted that thanks to faith, not only a person is saved, but society itself. Consequently, Byzantium is under the protection of the Lord and is obliged to lead other peoples to salvation. Secular and spiritual power must be united in the name of a common goal. The Byzantine Empire is the state in which the idea of ​​imperial power found its most mature form. God is the ruler of the entire Universe, and the emperor dominates the kingdom of the Earth. Therefore, the power of the emperor is protected by God and is sacred. The Byzantine emperor had practically unlimited power, he determined the internal and foreign policy, was the commander-in-chief of the army, the highest judge and at the same time a legislator. The emperor of Byzantium is not only the head of state, but also the head of the Church, so he had to be an example of exemplary Christian piety. It is curious that the power of the emperor here was not hereditary from a legal point of view. The history of Byzantium knows examples when a person became its emperor not because of a crowned birth, but as a result of his real merits.

Ottoman (Ottoman) Empire (1299 - 1922)

Historians usually count its existence from 1299, when in the north-west of Anatolia arose Ottoman state, founded by its first Sultan Osman - the founder new dynasty. Soon, Osman will conquer the entire west of Asia Minor, which will become a powerful platform for the further expansion of the Turkic tribes. We can say that the Ottoman Empire is Turkey during the period of the Sultanate. But strictly speaking, the empire was formed here only in the XV - XVI centuries, when Turkish conquests in Europe, Asia and Africa have become very significant. Its heyday coincided with the collapse of the Byzantine Empire. This, of course, is not accidental: if it has decreased somewhere, then it will certainly increase elsewhere, as the law of conservation of energy and power on the Eurasian continent says. In the spring of 1453, as a result of a long siege and bloody battles, the troops of the Ottoman Turks under the leadership of Sultan Mehmed II occupied the capital of Byzantium, Constantinople. This victory will lead to the fact that the Turks will secure a dominant position in the eastern Mediterranean on long years. Constantinople (Istanbul) will become the capital of the Ottoman Empire. highest point The Ottoman Empire will reach its influence and flourishing in the 16th century - during the reign of Suleiman I the Magnificent. By the beginning of the 17th century, the Ottoman state would become one of the most powerful in the world. The empire controlled almost all South Eastern Europe, North Africa and Western Asia, it consisted of 32 provinces and many subordinate states. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire will occur as a result of the First World War. As allies of Germany, the Turks would be defeated, the sultanate would be abolished in 1922, and Turkey would become a republic in 1923.

British Empire (1497 - 1949)

The British Empire is the largest colonial state in the entire history of civilization. In the 30s of the twentieth century, the territory of the United Kingdom accounted for almost a quarter of the earth's land, and its population - a fourth of those living on the planet (it is no coincidence that English language became the most authoritative language in the world). The European conquests of England began with the invasion of Ireland, and the intercontinental ones - with the capture of Newfoundland (1583), which became a springboard for expansion into North America. success British colonization contributed to the successful imperialist war, which England led with Spain, France, Holland. In the very early XVII century, the penetration of Britain into India will begin, later England will take up Australia and New Zealand, North, Tropical and South Africa.

Britain and the colonies

After the First World War, the League of Nations will give the United Kingdom a mandate to govern some of the former colonies of the Ottoman and (including Iran and Palestine). However, the results of the Second World War significantly shifted the emphasis on the colonial issue. Britain, although it was among the winners, was forced to take huge loan the US to avoid bankruptcy. The USSR and the USA - the largest players in the political arena - were opponents of colonization. In the meantime, liberation sentiments intensified in the colonies. In this situation, it was too difficult and expensive to maintain their colonial domination. Unlike Portugal and France, England did not do this and transferred power to local governments. To date, the UK continues to maintain dominance over 14 territories.

Russian Empire (1721 - 1917)

After finishing Northern war when new lands and access to the Baltic were secured, Tsar Peter I took the title of Emperor of All Russia at the request of the Senate - supreme body state power established ten years earlier. In terms of its area, the Russian Empire became the third (after the British and Mongol empires) from ever-existing state formations. Before the advent State Duma in 1905, the power of the Russian emperor was not limited by anything, except for Orthodox norms. Peter I, who strengthened in the country, divided Russia into eight provinces. During the reign of Catherine II, there were 50 of them, and by 1917, as a result of territorial expansion, their number increased to 78. Russia is an empire, which included whole line modern sovereign states (Finland, Belarus, Ukraine, Transcaucasia and Central Asia). As a result February Revolution In 1917, the reign of the Romanov dynasty of Russian emperors ceased, and in September of the same year, Russia was proclaimed a republic.

Centrifugal tendencies are to blame

As you can see, all the great empires collapsed. To replace those who create them centripetal forces sooner or later, centrifugal tendencies come, leading these states, if not to complete collapse, then to disintegration.