what is an empire

[Keith Broaders]

what is an empire

An empire is a political entity where a single authority, often a monarch or centralized government, rules over diverse territories, peoples, or nations, typically acquired through conquest, colonization, or annexation. It’s characterized by extensive geographic reach, cultural and ethnic diversity under one rule, and a hierarchical power structure. Historically, empires like the Roman, Ottoman, or British Empire exerted control over vast regions, often imposing their governance, culture, or economic systems while managing local differences. Modern usage can also metaphorically describe powerful organizations or influence, like a "business empire."