greatest empire?

Question

in your opinions what is the greatest empire of all time, in my opinion is the persian empire is the greatest empire of all time.

Answer 1

First, let me define greatness. I would define it as that quality of an empire/civilisation that:

- Makes other nations or people imitate it, even today
- Has left a deep, lasting legacy on today's world or institutions

Based on the above definition, I would think that the Roman Empire is the greatest empire. These are my reasons:

1. Longevity
The Roman Empire lasted in one form or another from 510 BC to 1453. In the time that it existed it took various forms; a Roman republic, a Roman Empire, A Western and Eastern Empire and then the Byzantine Empire,

2. The Rise of Christianity
Christianity (and the idea of Christendom) was spread by the Roman Empire. The consequences in today's world are clear: Christianity is the number one world religion. It has spread from West Europe to Latin America, Asia and Africa.

3. The Heritage of Rome
- Government, Law and Administration: Today we have parliaments fashioned after the Roman Senate. Even in the Third World, the heritage of Rome is alive and well. Countries as diverse as Brazil and South Africa have parliaments. Our system of codification of laws? Yes, that came from the Romans.

- Our Calendar: Months are named after the Roman system. Months like July and Augustus are named after dictator and Emperor respectively. March is named after the Roman god of war, Mars, January after the two-faced god, Janus.

- Roads
The roads built by the Romans survive to this day. They were the chief means of transportation in Europe before the industrial revolution.

- The idea of Rome
This is probably its greatest legacy. The idea of one Empire united under one monarch has gripped the European imagination ever since the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Think of the idea of the Bishop of Rome and the Papal monarchy. It is said that the Roman Catholic Church is the institution that connects us directly to Imperial Rome. Everything about the Church (its administration, government) is fashioned after the Roman Empire.

Answer 2

Great Britain Empire

Answer 3

Mughal Empire

Answer 4

Well the Persians certainly did well for themselves - but the Roman Empire lasted for hundreds of years and during that time they controlled most of the known world - all the Mediterranean, including North Africa and most of Europe as far north as the Scottish border. That's pretty damn good going!

Answer 5

i also think the British we had the greatest navy 1780ish on wards (and around the time of the armada but that was bad luck the weather and the Irish coast that finished the Spanish and the navy of the time ) and a huge trade the world over we colonised Australia and America to name just 2 but loads more we developed the industrial age and helped modernise the world (not sure if that was so good but we did )and we had some great artists Turner Constable Cotman we had people like Nelson Bunuel Stephenson Cook Florance nightingale all great hero's and there's loads more so i think Great Britain

Answer 6

A group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor, empress, or other powerful sovereign - British Empire.

We spread our language and culture throughout the world and remain the most influential empire for the longest period - most areas of the world are still modelling themselves on a British empire. The language is most widely spread for non-native speakers, and we have the smallest native speaker percentage by total.

Answer 7

I agree, but would quallify it as the Persian empire under both Cyrus and Darius the Great.
Darius, especially, was tolerant of other religions, other cultures. He promoted learning, forestation, agriculature and the construction of highways. He was a great statesman and organizer, Darius thoroughly revised the Persian system of administration and also the legal code.

Answer 8

By what parameters do you define make up the term "great"? There are so many ways that you can define that word, you should clarify. For example:

In terms of landmass, the largest empire ever was the Mongol Empire.

In terms of the longest surviving Empire, the Egyptians.

In terms of cultural impact, the Roman Empire.

In terms of cool-factor, the Star Wars Empire ;)

Answer 9

China is teh world's longest continuous civilisation [i think] and still around today. Then again it went through many civil wars, so it wasn't continuous. Let's not forget the Babylonian, which influenced Judaism, which influenced Christianity. I think Roman has had the most cultural influence: Christianity, Plato, the Classics, and linguistic influence too e.g. the Romance languages: French, Spanish, etc.

Answer 10

In terms of land mass acquired that has to be the British Empire.