So let's just start with a general framework. So the first question is, what is an empire? A broad definition of an empire is when one group has control over a fairly diverse population. One group has control over another group that might have different linguistic practices, different culture. That's when it is considered an empire. Well, what's the general framework for how empires tend to form? Well, let's say that I am a ruler and I control this territory right over here.