This course has referred to various different civilizations as “empires”. The term is admittedly ambiguous: it tends to refer to large polities, but not always ones that achieved similar forms of political, social, economic or culture unity. There is also a notion that some form of “greatness” accompanies those units described as empires. What makes an empire “great” in your view? Give three examples, with sufficient evidence, of what you deem to be polities that fit this descriptive term.
History of the world has documented many political structures and kingdoms all over the globe stretching across timeline. Although the nature and characteristics of the socio-political systems have transformed over time and places, the term ‘empire’ has been found among many systems as a recurring commonality. As such, any student of history requires delving deep into the ambiguity of the term in context so as to form a holistic perspective regarding the definition of the term in the different contexts in the history of the world. It is very true that the term ‘empire’ is used to describe large polities, but not always ones that achieved similar forms of political, social, economic or culture unity. Apart from this, the word in context entails an innate meaning of some sort of ‘greatness’ in nature and stretch. An introspection of some empires explicated in the pages of world history can make one have a better idea regarding the matter in context.
After 1000 C.E., the culture and faith of Islam went on to penetrate into the trade empires situated in the region south of Sahara. The Islamic force had its roots in the northern part of Africa. Thus, the empires of Mali, Songhai and Ghana went on to become more Islamic in their progression. The ties with North Africa became stronger apart from the strengthened relationship with the rest of the Islamic world owing to the commonality of culture and religious practice of the communities. Commercial interest also played a huge role in making the regions bond with one another in the long run. One has to reckon the fact that on the east coast of Africa, during the ninth and tenth centuries, the sailor-merchants of Arab went on to establish settlements with regard to trade with the eastern part of Africa. Thus, the Swahili culture came into existence as there was substantial interaction of cultures of the people of East Africa and Arab in the form of trade and marriages. In the context of the Swahili culture, it has to be taken into consideration that Kilwa was the main emporium of the Swahili coast. The place retained its prominence and richness until the time it was plundered by the Portuguese in 1505. In this way, one can very well understand that the word ‘empire’ transcends the boundaries of culture, community, existence and trade. Empire exudes its greatness in the sheer geographical extent that comes coupled with cultural exchange and trade relations between communities. Empire signifies the amalgamation of interests and understanding among people or forces.
In another episode of history, the greatness of the Inca Empire has been documented with utmost importance by the historians. The empire also embodies of the native South American cultures that has been closely studied. The Inca Empire was created by the Quechua Indians. One has to take into account the fact that the creators of this great empire built cumulatively on the preceding cultures- something that aided the process of prosperity of the empire. The empire took its shape during the time of Pachacuti (r. 1438–1471) and Topac Yupanqui (r. 1471–1493). It has to be remembered that the rulers of the Inca Empire went on to rule vast territories that covered about 500,000 square miles, and stretched over 2,500 miles. Apart from the enormity of the extent of boundaries of the empire in context, the rulers went on to rule over a massive population of 6 to 13 million people who belonged to various linguistic communities and ethnic identities. Thus, it can be very well opined that the power and greatness of the empire was in its ability to keep all the people and the lands within the protection and systematic rule of the governance. The success of an empire can be comprehended from the fact that in this particular context it went on to work as an amalgamating force that united people who belonged to different ethnicities and communities.
Another very significant example of the greatness of an empire can be cited by talking about the success and governance of the Mongol Empire. One has to reckon the fact that from the reign of Khubilai Khan (r. 1260–1294) to almost over half a century after that period, the Mongol rulers went on to exercise their successful governance over huge stretch of lands. The reigns were known for the good order and peace that prevailed in the empire. It has to be understood that the success of the empire should be attributed to the organization and discipline of the Mongols. This also made it possible for the traders, missionaries, fortune seekers, and travelers to carry out travel between China and Europe. Thus, it can be opined that the Mongols created a proper ambiance for the normalcy of life and existence within their massive empire. This stood in stark juxtaposition to the problems that travelers or traders used to face before. The able governance and polity exuded its commitment and competence in maintaining a milieu that aided the process of prosperity and well-being of the people of the land.
Hence, it would be correct to conclude that the greatness of an empire can be gauged by the success of the governance and polity in ensuring the prosperity and safety of the people who reside within the boundaries of the empire. One has to understand the fact that even in the present day scenario where the world is marked by democratic governments the parameters of greatness of the geographical nation state (that is similar to the empire of the past times) remain the same. The success and greatness of the empires that have been discussed work as apt examples that explicate the parameters of prosperity and success of a polity.
