In today’s modern world, having in mind all the hectic things happening everywhere, it’s natural to wonder if we’re witnessing the beginning of the end for a modern superpower.
Most observers—both everyday people and experts would agree that the United States currently holds the title of the world’s dominant power.
But how long can that dominance last? When could a new rising power—a new empire—take its place?
These questions really make it worth reflecting on the greatest empires in history.
Namely, empires don’t appear out of nowhere. They take decades and centuries to build and often endure enormous challenges.
However, some of the empires on this list even survived for more than a thousand years.
So, let’s explore these 10 longest-lasting superpowers in history and see whether the United States is somewhere there.
1. The Roman Empire (27 BCE – 1453 CE)
Certainly, the Roman Empire is one of the most famous examples of endurance. Its western half fell in 476 CE, but the eastern half, known as the Byzantine Empire, survived until 1453.
At its height, the Roman Empire traversed 5 million square kilometers, covering most of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
It’s like imagining a modern superstate combining Italy, Spain, France, Egypt, Turkey, and more.
Rome’s success came from its organizational skills, engineering marvels, and legal system. From aqueducts to roads, they built infrastructure that connected their huge territory.
They also adapted to crises very quickly, including invasions and economic downturns, while keeping their citizens invested in its survival through effective governance and military power.
Interesting fact: Roman aqueducts supplied cities with water for over a thousand years, and some are still functioning today.
2. The Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE – 256 BCE)
The Zhou Dynasty ruled ancient China for nearly 800 years. At its height, the Zhou controlled a big portion of modern China, including the fertile plains around the Yellow River.
If you think of the Zhou’s territory today, it would be like governing a China-sized state while allowing its various regions significant autonomy.
Their longevity can be attributed to their feudal system, which decentralized power.
Local rulers governed efficiently under Zhou authority, creating a good balance between central control and regional independence.
While this system eventually fractured, it gave the dynasty incredible longevity.
Interesting fact: The Zhou Dynasty introduced the Mandate of Heaven, a principle that justified the emperor’s divine right to rule, influencing Chinese governance for centuries.
3. The Ottoman Empire (1299 – 1922)
The Ottoman Empire began as a small state in Anatolia but expanded into a huge empire covering parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
At its peak, the Ottomans ruled an area of 5.2 million square kilometers, comparable to the size of the European Union today.
For example, in today’s world try to picture a single state stretching from Hungary to the Arabian Peninsula and Algeria.
Their success lay mostly in their ability to integrate diverse cultures and religions. They created loyalty through tolerance, efficient administration, and economic strength.
The Ottomans also controlled key trade routes, including the Silk Road, and became a dominant power in global commerce and military might.
Interesting fact: The Ottomans were among the first to use gunpowder extensively in warfare.
4. The Ethiopian Empire (1270 – 1974)
The Ethiopian Empire, also known as the Solomonic Dynasty, lasted for over 700 years, ruling a region roughly the size of modern Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Surrounded by rugged mountains and deserts, Ethiopia’s geographic isolation helped shield it from invaders. It was basically like a natural fortress state.
The empire’s resilience was also strengthened by its strong cultural identity and unified Christian faith.
Leaders also maintained a narrative linking their lineage to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, creating kind of a sense of a divine purpose among the population.
Interesting fact: Ethiopia is the only African country that successfully resisted European colonization, defeating Italy at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
5. The Holy Roman Empire (800 – 1806)
The Holy Roman Empire was a rather loose confederation of states centered in Central Europe. At its height, it covered modern Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, parts of France, and Italy.
It was like a patchwork of semi-independent states, like a medieval version of today’s European Union but under the banner of an emperor.
The empire’s decentralized structure allowed individual regions to operate semi-independently.
This fragmentation actually often led to internal conflicts but also made it difficult to overthrow the empire as a whole. In one way, its endurance relied on a somewhat good balance of power between the emperor and local rulers.
Interesting fact: The Holy Roman Empire often had multiple competing rulers, leading Voltaire to famously quip, “It was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.”
6. The Persian Empire (550 BCE – 651 CE)
Founded by Cyrus the Great, the Persian Empire stretched from the Indus Valley in modern Pakistan to the Balkans in Europe.
At its peak, it covered 5.5 million square kilometers, rivaling the size of today’s India and neighboring countries combined.
The Persians really excelled in administration, respecting local cultures and religions to create stability.
They built impressive infrastructure, such as the Royal Road, to connect their huge territory, promoting good trade and communication.
Interesting fact: The Persian postal system inspired the famous motto: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers.”
7. The Venetian Republic (697 – 1797)
Venice grew from a small trading post to a nautical empire that dominated the Mediterranean. At its height, the Venetian Republic controlled trade routes stretching from Italy to the Eastern Mediterranean and parts of the Adriatic coast.
They were kind of like ancient global financial hubs comparable to today’s New York or London.
Venice’s success was driven mostly by its naval strength and commercial acumen.
Its leaders, known as Doges (not a DOGECOIN 😊), maintained a stable government that allowed trade and industry to flourish. This economic power was the backbone of Venice’s longevity.
Interesting fact: Venetian glassmakers were so valued that they were forbidden to leave the city, under threat of execution.
8. The Portuguese Empire (1415 – 1999)
Portugal’s empire spanned the globe, with territories in South America, Africa, and Asia.
At its peak, it covered about 4.5 million square kilometers, including modern-day Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and parts of India.
The Portuguese were pioneers of oceanic exploration, creating trade networks that fueled their economy. Early adoption of naval technology and innovations like the caravel ship gave them an edge over rivals, allowing them to establish a global presence.
Interesting fact: The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided the world between Portugal and Spain, giving Portugal control over Brazil and parts of Africa and Asia.
9. The Khmer Empire (802 – 1431)
The Khmer Empire, based in modern Cambodia, is best known for its architectural achievements, especially Angkor Wat.
At its height, the empire covered parts of present-day Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, roughly the size of modern France.
Their success was built on advanced irrigation systems that supported large-scale agriculture.
These innovations allowed the Khmer to sustain a large population and build monumental temples that showcased their power and cultural dominance.
Interesting fact: Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu temple before being converted to Buddhism, reflecting the empire’s religious evolution.
10. The British Empire (1583 – 1997)
The British Empire once controlled nearly a quarter of the world’s landmass. To picture this more vividly here are some of the modern-day countries that were part of the British Empire during its height:
- In Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia), Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia.
- In Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates.
- In North America: Canada, United States (before 1783, when the U.S. gained independence), Belize, Jamaica.
- In the Caribbean: Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- In Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.
- In Europe: Ireland (until 1922), Malta, Cyprus.
Now, that’s just brutal.
Obviously, the empire’s global influence is still evident in language, law, and culture.
The British Empire lasted for centuries, but it officially came to an end in 1997 when the British handed Hong Kong back to China.
By that point, most of the empire had already fallen apart. After World War II, many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean gained independence, and the British began pulling out of their colonies.
Interesting fact: The British Empire introduced tea culture to India, which later became one of the world’s largest tea producers.
