Empires are large areas made up of many territories ruled by one government or leader. They often include different regions, cultures, and peoples under a single authority. Empires have existed in many parts of the world.

The Roman Empire stretched across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, while the Persian Empire connected lands across the Middle East. These empires were often formed through conquest and expansion. Roads, armies, and systems of control helped manage large areas.

Empires are studied in history through records, maps, and archaeological sites. They show how large societies were organized and governed across distances.