People have probably heard about the Roman Empire, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and a number of other powerful states that once owned vast territories with a mass of conquered peoples. These states were born, increased their strength, reached the zenith of power, and then faded and disintegrated in approximately the same way. How did this happen?
How empires arose
To create an empire requires a number of factors. First, we need a “connecting center” that will unite people of different nationalities and religions. Such a center can be played by a strong leader who has the ability to persuade and subordinate to his will, an idea, religion, or any people - even a small but energetic one. Secondly, at the initial stage of building an empire, the willingness of people to overcome difficulties, trials, and even risk their lives is necessary. Thirdly, there must be a large group (class, estate) of people for whom it is vitally important to have a strong power capable of supporting their interests.
Consider this with a specific example. The mighty Roman Empire once began with a small piece of land on the banks of the Tiber River. There lived a tribe of Latins who founded the city of Rome. First, they gradually subjugated neighboring tribes, and then the entire territory of the Apennine Peninsula. Latins (Romans) were helped not only by their militancy, but also by wise politics. They did not ruin the conquered peoples, did not oppress them. The power of Rome was quite soft and based on strict observance of the law. So the beginnings of the famous "Roman law" appeared.
Among the Romans, democratic traditions in government were combined with the strictest military discipline. The order of the superior was law for the subordinate. If warriors fled in battle, they could execute every tenth. Largely due to this, Rome defeated a powerful competitor - Carthage, and annexed its lands. And 2 centuries later, after new victories and territorial acquisitions, the Roman consul Octavian proclaimed himself emperor Augustus. So the Roman Republic became an empire.
