Empires that last for hundreds of years also share common characteristics. Many successful empires expand more slowly than the empires that fall. It is often a process that takes place over generations rather than under a single powerful ruler or general. This is the case with the Roman and Persian Empires. While each had strong rulers and periods of conquest, each were steady and grew with time. Successful Empires also provide a stable political bureaucratic structure. This can be seen in examples such as the Han Empire’s civil officials and magistrates, or in the Persian Empire’s Satraps. This political bureaucracy endures even after the death of a ruler, and helps provide political continuity. Successful Empires often expand and improve
