Which empire in history impresses you the most?
This isn't to glorify imperialism, suggest that it is good or anything similar.
But a question about scale and significance - pick an empire in history that you have been impressed by and why.
But a question about scale and significance - pick an empire in history that you have been impressed by and why.
The Mongolian empire is arguably one of the most successful ones and the fact they were able to expand so quickly and not only across such a large but also varied geographic range is fairly impressive, especially considering the further impacts at the time and later legacy of the expansion on even areas they did not reach.
Original post
by artful_loungerThe Mongolian empire is arguably one of the most successful ones and the fact they were able to expand so quickly and not only across such a large but also varied geographic range is fairly impressive, especially considering the further impacts at the time and later legacy of the expansion on even areas they did not reach.
I don't know how much truth there is behind it, but I did catch a video of it being explained that Genghis Khan managed to do all his conquering whilst essentially riding a small pony, as the horses in that part of the world are substantially different to the ones in Europe. I have to say, that is quite impressive.
Original post
by 04MR17I don't know how much truth there is behind it, but I did catch a video of it being explained that Genghis Khan managed to do all his conquering whilst essentially riding a small pony, as the horses in that part of the world are substantially different to the ones in Europe. I have to say, that is quite impressive.
I think in general historically warhorses were much smaller than modern riding horses, and I can well believe the horses of the steppe were smaller still!
Reply 4
the french empire
As a Classicist, the Roman Empire.
British,
Original post
by littleCorsicanthe french empire
Original post
by PinkMobilePhoneAs a Classicist, the Roman Empire.
Original post
by Andrew97British,
Interesting!
Because?
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post
by 04MR17Interesting!
Because?
Because?
Okay I could quite honestly go into an essay that would take you several hours to read, but a few short snippets behind my answer are:
1) When much of Europe was still rattling around in roundhouses, the Romans were conquering lands and installing infrastructure that was way ahead of its time
2) Speaking of infrastructure, despite not being the biggest Empire of course, the Roman Empire was arguably the most influential due to its longevity and infrastructure
3) Its military techniques, achievements and advancements were extremely impressive. Rome was known for its military resilience (even after the defeat of Teutoburg they still bounced back from it).
4) The Holy Roman Empire may be gone but its legacy is still incredibly influential (Pope / Vatican)
5) Its system of government, law, order, and Pax Romana was also impressive, simultaneous to its achievements in military prowess and ability to expand its territories.
6) Ultimately it became that successful that it was its own downfall. A cruel irony perhaps, however nevertheless demonstrating its power to begin with.
Reply 9
Original post
by 04MR17Interesting!
Because?
Because?
because of the impact it left behind.
Reply 10
With the mention of scale and significance, my first thought was the Mongols as well. The sheer scale of that empire was extraordinary, made all the more impressive by the fact that it was conquered and maintained by a military that relied on mobility and psychological warfare rather than technological advancements, albeit they did use some siege weaponry. I saw a video a few months ago that dealt with the technique that the horse archers likely used, which concluded that they wouldn't have used quivers because those are actually really impractical unless you're standing still. In reality, they would hold the bow in one hand and the arrows in the other, which allowed them to fire quickly and accurately, whilst also riding a horse. It would have taken an extraordinary level of skill. To maintain such a vast empire with that as your main military threat is pretty mind boggling.
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