What happened to the Ottoman Empire. What happened to the empire of Alexander the Great after his death

At the height of the Roman Empire, its rule extended over vast territories - their total area was about 6.51 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?

The largest empire in the world in history

Mongolian

294 (21.8 % )

Russian

213 (15.8 % )

Spanish

48 (3.6 % )

British

562 (41.6 % )

Mongolian

118 (8.7 % )

Turkic Khaganate

18 (1.3 % )

Japanese

5 (0.4 % )

Arab Caliphate

18 (1.3 % )

Macedonian

74 (5.5 % )

Now we find out the correct answer...

Thousands of years 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 in modern times 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

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 world known at that time between the two countries, into unfavorable latest conditions for the Portuguese. But this did not stop them from collecting more than 10 million square meters. km of land, most of which Brazil occupied. 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.

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. Greatest Empires The Incas and Aztecs fell to the conquistadors, and in their place a predominantly Spanish-speaking Latin America emerged.

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. IN late XIX 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'être was one thing - 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.

International status in English is the main legacy of Pax Britannica.

Something else interesting for you from history: remember, or for example. Here you go. maybe you didn't know that there was

The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy was made -

To the question “In what year did Russia become an empire?” not everyone will be able to give an accurate answer. Someone forgot that the country was proudly called by it, someone may not know this at all. But it was precisely at that time that it was recognized as one of the most powerful powers in the world, and there was a significant economic and cultural rise of the state. Therefore, you need to know when this path, rich in historical events, began.

General information

The Russian Empire is a state that existed from 1721 until the February Revolution, when the collapse of the existing political system, and Russia became a republic. The country became an empire after the Northern War during the reign of Peter the Great. The capital changed - it was St. Petersburg, then Moscow, then St. Petersburg, renamed Leningrad after the revolution.

The borders of the Russian Empire extended from the Arctic Ocean on the northern borders to the Black Sea on the southern borders, from the Baltic Sea on the western borders to the Pacific Ocean on the eastern borders. Thanks to such a vast territory, Russia was considered the third largest power in the world by area. The head of the state was the emperor, who was an absolute monarch until 1905.

The Russian Empire was founded by Peter the Great, who completely changed the state structure during his reforms. Russia turned from a class-monarchal empire into an absolutist empire. Absolutism is introduced into the Military Regulations. Peter, who took the country as a model Western Europe, decided to proclaim it an imperial power.

For achievement absolute monarchy The Boyar Duma and the Patriarchate, which could influence the royal decisions, are abolished. After the introduction of the Table of Ranks, the main support of the monarch is the nobility, and the church becomes synodal, which is subordinate to the emperor. Russia now has a permanent army and navy, which makes it possible to expand Russian borders to the west; access to Baltic Sea. Peter founded St. Petersburg, which later became the capital of the empire.

On October 22 (November 2), 1721, after the end of the Northern War, Russia was proclaimed an empire, and Peter the Great himself became emperor. In the eyes of European rulers, Russia thus showed everyone that it has great political influence and that it must be taken into account. Not all powers recognized the increased influence of Russia; the last to submit was Poland, which laid claim to part of the territories of Kievan Rus.

The period of "enlightened absolutism"

After the death of Peter the Great, the era of palace coups began - a time when there was no stability in the country, therefore, there was no significant rise in government. Everything changed when, during the next coup, Catherine the Second ascended the throne. During her reign, Russia makes another breakthrough both in foreign policy, and in internal structure states.

During Russian-Turkish wars Crimea is conquered, Russia takes an active part in the division of Poland, and Novorossiya is being developed. During the colonization of Transcaucasia, Russian interests collided with Persian and Ottoman interests. In 1783, the Treaty of Georgievsk on patronage over Eastern Georgia was signed.

There were also popular unrest. Catherine the Great created a “Charter of Commitment to the Nobility,” which exempted them from compulsory military service, but the peasants were still obliged to bear military service. The reaction of the peasantry and Cossacks, from whom the empress took away their liberties, was the “Pugachevshchina.”

Catherine's reign proceeds in the spirit of enlightened absolutism; she personally corresponds with famous French philosophers of that time. The Free Economic Society is founded, the development of science and art is encouraged. But at the same time, the Empress understands that the large territory of the Russian Empire requires strict control and an absolute monarchy.

During the reign of Emperor Nicholas II, events took place that revolutionized and completely changed Russian history. Despite the fact that the emperor favored industrial growth and demographic growth, the number of peasants and workers dissatisfied with working conditions is growing: the latter demand an 8-hour working day, and the peasantry wants the division of landowners' lands.

At that time, Russia was trying to expand its Far Eastern borders, this led to a clash of interests with Japan, which resulted in war and defeat, which was a consequence of the revolution. After this, Russia stopped expanding its influence in the Far East. The revolution was suppressed, the emperor made concessions - he created a Parliament allowing political parties. But this did not help: discontent continued to grow, including with the Russification policy in Finland, the Poles were outraged by the loss of Poland's autonomy, and the Jews were outraged by the repressive policies that had increased since the 1880s.

The Russian Empire took part in the First World War, which led to enormous tension for all countries involved. Due to large military expenditures, a huge number of peasants are mobilized, which leads to an aggravation of the food problem. Growing difficulties cause dissatisfaction with politics and the existing state structure of all segments of the population, which results in February revolution 1917, and in 1924 the USSR appears.

Why was the reign of these two emperors and empress discussed? In what year did Russia become an empire? That's right, in 1721, during the reign of Peter the Great, during the reign of the Russian Empire made a big leap in its development, and Nicholas II became the last Russian emperor, and it was necessary to write about the reasons that led to the collapse of the empire. The Russian state had big influence in world politics, emperors sought to expand their borders, but did not take into account the interests of the common population, who were dissatisfied with the policy, which led to the creation of the republic.

Almost immediately after the death of Alexander the Great, the struggle for his great and ownerless inheritance began. And soon this struggle resulted in the division of territories, which was started by Ptolemy, who spoke in favor of division and the creation of a “federation of satrapies.”
At first they did not support him, having agreed on a compromise: there remained a ghostly royal power, which was given to the feeble-minded and easily controlled Arrhidaeus, but the satraps had already distributed to themselves parts of the empire, in which they felt more and more independent, as if thereby justifying the proposal of Ptolemy, who managed get yourself Egypt - the most profitable part of the empire, rich and quite isolated.
Then a bloody struggle for power and territory began, in which the entire reigning house died, including Arrhidaeus, Olympias, Alexander’s mother, Alexander’s widow Roxana, and many of Alexander’s associates also died. The civil strife seemed endless and became bloodier. The empire had already completely disintegrated into the destinies of the most successful of the surviving commanders of the great king. Actually, it actually began to disintegrate even under him - he fought for too long somewhere on the edge of the country and did not build enough of a state building. He enlarged this building too much, not caring that by adding a new one, he had not yet achieved a monolith in the old one. And now the shortcomings of the original design have come to light. Even Ptolemy forgot about the idea of ​​"federation".
All the new rulers accepted royal titles, and each built their own independent destinies and powers, without thinking about the past. Only clashes continued between these heirs of Alexander, but these were purely wars of conquest - those who felt powerful wanted to chop off a piece from their weaker neighbor. No one thought that they were fighting against their yesterday’s brother.

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 compound word for determining. 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. Less known fact is that until 1999 it did not “disappear” from the face of the earth. 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, causing many European countries to "embark" 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, encompassing 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 last point was Turkish war for 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 existence of the empire, 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, resulting in 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 what was discovered in 1851 text document 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 driving force which brought Islam). Its expansion continues even during the period when the king announced holy war, or jihad, to all 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 were still theirs. long years, even their sons could dispose of them. This system led to the unleashing civil war, which weakened the empire and made 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 poor decisions create internal conflict that leaves 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 Empire 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 last emperor The Holy Roman Empire of Francis II abdicated the throne, 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 what clothes a person could wear to work activity which he is 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 constantly expanded, conquering everything large quantity kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula. Eventually, a monarchy was formed. Chinese dynasty The Tang 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 classic example 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 last years 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 strength, 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 quantity territories. 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 formed part of the Byzantine Empire, but also allowed the short-lived Serbian Empire to rule for a short period of time in some territories 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 empires lasted the longest in history, but each had its own weak points, be it 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.

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. Open lands The Portuguese declared it 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.

Napoleonic Wars, internal contradictions and external enemies nevertheless undermined the power of the state, and by the beginning of the 20th century not a trace remained 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 state 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.

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 a complex system public administration, having 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 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. Extremely successful geographical position at the intersection of most trade routes, they 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)

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the influence of Christianity in Europe became increasingly stronger: influential people They accepted Christianity, entire lands were given to the church, and donations were made. The day was not far off when the Catholic Church would receive 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 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 Italian control, and the Catholic Church was left with only the Vatican City, a city-state in Rome.

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 has always 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.

The 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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