In the past was it hard for a civilization to expand and start an empire in very mountainous areas?

Question

Also what was the terrain and climate of the most successful empires throughout history?

Answer 1

a prime example of this is the mongol empire. They came from fairly inacessible lands and conquered the world. It is important to note that climate or topography is not the most important attribute for conquering other people. This is the use of technology. The mongols were masters of the use of horses. The Romans, built and far reaching empire by conolozing the spots the conquered.

Answer 2

No, it wasn't. Rome is the prime example. the Italian peninsular is mountainous, yet the Roman Empire started by the city of Rome expanding across that peninsular. I don't think terrain has anything to do with whether a civilization can expand or not.

Answer 3

it best to have them near river sources that give plenty of foods supply from farming and fishing
the Tibet and the Inca have their city up mountainous area so
to give goods defense but bad in trade due to isolation