Historical Atlas Of Empires

The concept of ‘empire’ has existed since King Sargon of Akkad conquered Mesopotamia more than 4,000 years ago. Since his Akkadian dynasty many other empires have risen and fallen; Assyrian, Roman, Mongol, Aztec, Habsburg, British and Soviet — all have held sway over far-flung territories and peoples, usually through force, and always seeking economic gain. The construction of an empire invariably meant suffering for the conquered peoples, but empires have also contributed to stability and wealth, and many have acted as catalysts for social, political and technological progress. But what drives one nation to expand and exert its influence to extend over others? With specially commissioned cartography, color illustrations and photographs, Historical Atlas of Empires explores and explains the ever-changing concept of empire from the ancient Middle East to the superpowers of the 20th century.