An empire is a political unit made up of several territories and peoples, usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant center and subordinate peripheries. The center of the empire exercises political control over the peripheries. Empires are typically formed from diverse ethnic, national, cultural, and religious components. The concept of empire is associated with other such concepts as imperialism, colonialism, and globalization. The primary benefit of developing an empire is better access to resources.
Some key characteristics of an empire include:
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Dominant central state: An empire is a complex political organization where a dominant central state controls weaker peripheral (outer) states.
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Control: The main ingredient in making an empire is always control.
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Territory: An empire is a major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority.
Empires have been a characteristic form of political organization since early antiquity and have been formed across the world throughout history.
