6 Longest Living Empires

A tricky term to describe is Empire. Although the word is tossed around a lot, it is frequently misused and misrepresents the political status of a country. A political unit that exerts power over another political body is defined by the simplest meaning. Basically, it's a government or group of people that governs another lower power's political decisions.

Posted On November 4th, 2020

Pandyan Empire (1850 Years)

This Southern Indian society is regarded as the longest-lasting kingdom in history. Owing to agriculture and management of fisheries and pearl beds, it was dominated by commerce and was highly rich. During this period, which lasted from around 500 BC to 1350, a series of kings ruled the region.

Byzantine Empire (1123 Years)

Often called the Eastern Roman Empire, between 330 and 1204 AD, the Byzantine civilization centred in Constantinople ( now Istanbul) dominated much of Europe and the Levant. The empire was in ruins by the 13th century, and although it was re-established in 1261, it was never a substantial force. Finally, in 1453, the kingdom was overthrown by the Ottoman Turks.

Silla Empire (992 Years)

Initially founded in 57 BC, this kingdom gradually covered most of the Korean peninsula. By 527, although this did not deter regular wars with the other Korean kingdoms, Silla was officially a Buddhist republic. The country, however, enters history as one of the oldest of all times.

Ethiopian Empire (837 Years)

The Ethiopian Empire (also known as Abyssinia) existed from 1137 until 1975 (it may have survived, but the regime was overthrown in a coup) as one of the few African nations to hold out against European colonialism. During the late 1800s, several European nations (including Italy and Britain) sought to colonise Ethiopia, but were defeated by Ethiopian forces.

Roman Empire (499 Years)

For almost 500 years, the ancient Roman Empire that we knew much of, the civilization that was founded on Rome and counted Julius Caesar among its first rulers, existed. This followed the Roman Republic era, which also lasted nearly 500 years, but the abolition of the Senate and the founding of the Empire culminated in civil war and instability. Rome started to crumble at the end of its existence, in the 5th century, under the weight of invasions, and finally broke up.

San Marino Empire (415+ Years)

The Italian micro-state of San Marino is probably the oldest government still in existence today, more or less unchanged. The country has been able to preserve its borders and government independence for more than 400 years, with a land area of less than 30 square miles.