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In the history of humankind, there have been many great empires. Some rose quickly to prominence, and others took centuries to expand before collapsing. Some fell due to natural disasters, and others disappeared suddenly for unknown reasons. Regardless many vanished completely, leaving little evidence of their existence other than the rare archaeological finds or written accounts. Many factors contribute to an empire's longevity, such as its ability to adapt and expand economically and territorially, its political structure, a stable succession of rulers, and even good luck. The famous examples we know today all had something in common: they were all long-lived empires! So without further ado, here are 10 of the longest-lived empires in history.

1. Byzantine Empire
2. Holy Roman Empire
3. Zhou Empire
4. Ethiopian Empire
5. Carthaginian Empire
6. Khmer Empire
7. Ottoman Empire
8. Roman Empire
9. Parthian Empire
10. Han Empire

1. Byzantine Empire (330 - 1453 A.D.); ~ 1123 years

The聽Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, traces its beginnings to the year 330 A.D. when聽Emperor Constantine聽split the Roman Empire into two parts, western and eastern. Historians refer to the eastern half as the Byzantine Empire, which remained a dominant force throughout聽Europe, lasting even until the聽middle ages. The Byzantine Empire continued until 1453, when the city of聽Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was finally lost to the Ottoman Turks. In total, the Byzantine Empire ruled for 1123 years.

2. Holy Roman Empire (800 - 1806 A.D.); ~ 1006 years

The Holy Roman Empire is traditionally believed to have been established by Charlemagne in 800 A.D. It ruled over much of western and central Europe from the 9th to the 19th century until its dissolution in 1806, during the聽Napoleonic wars. However, the Holy Roman Empire wasn't unified in the same way that many of the other empires were. It was more of a collection of sovereign nations existing together in a loosely defined alliance. The glue that held the empire together was the聽Catholic Church聽which had the authority to name the emperor. In total, the Holy Roman Empire lasted 1006 years.

3. Zhou Empire (1046 - 256 BC); ~ 790 years

罢丑别听Zhou Empire聽was among the most significant of the early Chinese dynasties and was also the longest-lasting in China's history. It can be separated into two periods, Western Zhou (1046-771 BC) and Eastern Zhou (771-256 BC). However, a little over 800 years later, the Zhou Empire began to lose control, and the many states that made up the empire began going to war. At this point, the end was imminent. Finally, the聽Qin Dynasty聽rose to power, bringing the Zhou Empire to a dramatic end. In total, the Zhou Empire lasted 790 years.

4. Ethiopian Empire (1270 - 1974 A.D.); ~ 704 years

罢丑别听Ethiopian Empire, also referred to as the Abyssinia Empire by historians, was located in what is now聽Ethiopia. This long-lasting empire existed from approximately 1270 until 1974, when the monarchy was overthrown in a coup d鈥櫭﹖at. This powerful聽African聽empire ruled for centuries, controlling a large territorial state that gave access to the rich trading routes in the Middle East and India. 罢丑别听贰谤颈迟谤别补苍听war for independence was the cause of related events that led to the end of the empire in 1974. In total, the Ethiopian Empire lasted 704 years.

5. Carthaginian Empire (814-146 BC); ~ 668 years

罢丑别听Carthaginian Empire聽was based out of the city of Carthage, a settlement in modern-day聽Tunisia. At its height, in the fourth century B.C., Carthage was one of the largest metropolises in the 海角社区, and the center of the Carthaginian Empire, a major power in the ancient 海角社区 that dominated the western聽Mediterranean. After a long conflict with the emerging Roman Republic, known as the Punic Wars (264-146), Rome finally ended the Carthaginian Empire. In total, the Carthaginian Empire lasted 668 years.

6. Khmer Empire (802 - 1431 A.D.); ~ 629 years

The聽Khmer empire聽hailed from what is now聽Cambodia聽and was the largest continuous empire in聽Southeast Asia. While the Khmer Empire was in its formation, it relied heavily on聽Java聽as a trade partner. The Khmer Empire also formed alliances with the Srivijaya Empire, which was located on the empire's southern border. The Khmer Empire had its capital in the city of Angkor until the Thai armies conquered it. After losing the capital to Thai invaders, the Khmer Empire relocated its capital to the city of Phnom Penh, which eventually became an important trade center due to its location on the Mekong River. In total, the Khmer Empire lasted for 600 years until overspending and conflict within the ruling family led to its collapse. In total, the Khmer Empire lasted 629 years.

7. Ottoman Empire (1299 - 1922 A.D); ~ 623 years

罢丑别听Ottoman Empire, also known as the Turkish Empire, was an empire that controlled much of聽Southeast Europe,听Western Asia, 补苍诲听Northern Africa聽between the 14th and early 20th centuries. The Ottomans ended the Byzantine Empire with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Under the leadership of聽Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Empire was at the highest peak of its power and prosperity. The Ottomans, one of the greatest empires in history, ruled for more than 600 years before its destruction on the battlefields of 海角社区 War I. In total, the Ottman Empire lasted 623 years.

8. Roman Empire (27 B.C. - 476 A.D.); ~ 503 years

罢丑别听Roman Empire聽started in 27 B.C and dominated as a 海角社区 power until 476 A.D. The Roman Empire was unmatched in its military. Indeed, civil war and not foreign armies finally caused the implosion of the Roman Empire. This vast empire that spanned as far as Europe to the聽Middle East聽was undone from within. As the empire expanded, it was simply unable to support the weight of its success. By the early first century A.D, this hugely successful empire spanned three continents, including聽Asia Minor, northern Africa, and most of Europe. By 400 A.D., the cracks in this struggling empire began to be noticed, and in 476 A.D, the unthinkable happened.聽Rome聽fell, ending the Roman Empire. In total, the Roman Empire lasted 503 years.

9. Parthian Empire聽(247 B.C. - 224 A.D.) - 471 years

The Parthian Empire, also referred to as the Arsacid Empire by historians, lasted from 247 BC to 224 AD creating a large empire that stretched from the Mediterranean in the west to聽滨苍诲颈补听补苍诲听China聽in the east. The Parthian Empire was known for its unique and extremely successful fighting style. Indeed, the vast areas they conquered allowed them to assimilate the cultures and advancements of different nations. Its immense territory led to an inevitable civil war. And finally, in 224 A.D., the Persis revolted against the Parthian Empire and killed their leader, ending the Parthian Empire. In total, the Parthian Empire lasted 471 years.

10. Han Empire聽(206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) - 426 years

罢丑别听Han Empire聽came to power in 206 BC, abruptly ending the chaos that followed the collapse of the聽Qin dynasty. The Han Empire was the second imperial dynasty of China and ruled for more than 400 years, with the only exception being a brief period between 9 and 23 A.D. when a powerful leader named Wang Mang seized the throne. After Mang's short insurrection was quelled, the Han Dynasty continued without any further interruption. The Han Empire is responsible for many achievements and inventions. The Han Empire is credited with inventing paper, water clocks, and sundials, to name a few. However, despite its contributions, the empire eventually fell in 220 A.D because of economic collapse fueled by weak leadership. In total, the Han Empire lasted for 426 years.

All these long-lived empires left behind a legacy that impacts not only the present-day society and culture of their area of rule but also of places far away. Their achievements and their losses continue to teach valuable lessons to people 海角社区wide. Most importantly, the fact that these once-powerful empires all had their fall reminds us that nothing lasts forever if not handled with wisdom.