Before there were superpowers, there were great empires - supremely forceful political entities whose rulers conquered vast territories, united diverse peoples, and changed the course of the world. From the Persian dynasties in the Fertile Crescent to the infamously ruthless Mongols in the steppes of Central Asia, to the great Ottoman Empire that spanned two continents and the colonial rule of 19th-century Britain, the great empires left an indelible mark on history. This remarkable book chronicles all of history in three major eras (The Ancient World, the Middle Ages, and the Modern Era) and illuminates 31 empires across the globe. Nearly 40 full-colour National Geographic maps show the principal territories and other fascinating details of the lands where great rulers consolidated power. Sidebars and fact boxes bring the people, the ideas, and the innovations of each empire into focus. Captivating images feature the traditions, art, and culture of the times.