10 Longest Empires in History

Apr 13, 2023, 18:46 IST

Wion Web Desk

Byzantine Empire (330 - 1453 AD)- 1123 years

Also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, it traces its beginning to the year 330 AD. It continued till 1453 when the capital of the empire Constantinople was finally lost to the Ottoman Turks. 

Holy Roman Empire (800 - 1806 AD)- 1006 years

The Holy Roman Empire ruled most of western and central Europe from the 9th to 19th century until its dissolution in 1806. 

Zhou Empire (1046 - 256 BC)- 790 ears

One of the earliest and longest-lasting dynasties in China, it was separated into two periods, Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) and Eastern Zhou (771-256 BC).

Ethiopian Empire (1270 - 1974 AD)- 704 years

The Ethiopian Empire, also known as the Abyssinia Empire, located in Ethiopia was one of the longest-lasting empires from 1270 to 1974 until the monarchy was overthrown in a coup defeat.

Carthaginian Empire (814-146 BC)- 668 Years

The Empire was based out of the city of Carthage, Tunisia. It was one of the largest metropolises in the world at its height in the fourth century BC.

Khmer Empire (802 - 1431 AD)- 629 years

Hailing from Cambodia, the Khmer Empire was one of the largest continuous empires in Southeast Asia. It had its alliances with Srivijaya Empire.

Ottoman Empire (1299 - 1922 AD)- 623 years

The Ottoman Empire also known as the Turkish Empire controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa. 

Roman Empire (27 BC - 476 AD)- 503 years

The Roman Empire began in 27 BC and was a dominant world leader till 476 AD. 

Parthian Empire (247 BC - 224 AD) - 471 years

The Parthian Empire, also known as the Arsacid Empire, had a vast empire that stretched from the Mediterranean in the west to India and China in the east. 

Han Empire (206 BC - 220 AD)- 426 years

The Han Empire came to power in 206 BC but ended abruptly following the collapse of the Qin dynasty. The Han Empire was the second imperial dynasty of China that ruled for more than 400 years.

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