Empires

[einsteinsdog]

Why did the Babylonian , Syrian , Greek , Roman , Aztec , Mayan and British empires all disappear so quickly? Did they have anything in common?

[Clanad]

I think "disappear so quickly" is a relative term. For example, Babylon was founded in about 2000 BC and ended near 600 BC, Rome was founded, apparently, about 800 BC and ceased for all pratical purpose 500 AD. The Aztecs, on the other hand began their ascendancy in 1168 AD and were conquered by Cortez (and introduced disease) in 1521 AD. So the various times for each varies widely. In addition, remnants of each continue to this day in one form or another and one would have to take that into consideration. The British Empire is a good example of that. Comparison, as asked in your question, doesn't compute, as they say...

[Chessman]

I believe one of the reasons, out of many, as to why these empires fade and die, is assimilation, over a period of time, the country whose empire it is, accepts, rightly or wrongly, nationals of conquered nations into it, therebye weakening it. but as I said, its just one of many, and its my opinion.

[Octavius]

Yes agree with both the above. Empires by their very nature are in constant need to expand by conquering other nations for land and wealth. Systematically, central control of the empire is lost (communication wasn't what it is today) because of the lack of control capable in the far reaching lands of the empires, thus leading to locals regaining control and coup's.

A list of all empires here: StarWars

[jno]

the Roman empire adapted by dividing itself in two; the eastern one, better known as the Byzantine empire and based in Istanbul, last until 1453, a pretty good record. (It was defeated, bit by bit, by what became the Ottoman empire.)