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Difference Between Empire and Kingdom – Empire vs Kingdom

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

The difference between Empire and Kingdom is that an empire is typically a group of nations or states under the control of a single emperor or king. In contrast, a kingdom is often just one state that one monarch rules. An Empire can consist of many kingdoms as well. Most people think the term ‘Empire’ is a synonym for ‘Kingdom.’

Difference Between Empire and Kingdom PDF

The truth is that the meanings of these terms are very different. The Empire vs Kingdom difference is that in an Empire, an Emperor or Empress rules a collection of countries, whereas Kingdom refers to a single or more domain ruled by a King or a Queen whereas. Let us check the difference between empire and kingdom in the upcoming sections.

Difference Between Empire and Kingdom

Even though they sound like similar concepts, there is a significant difference between empire and kingdom. Although no official Empires exist in the modern world, some Kingdoms like the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Hawaii, Mali, and so on still exist.

Empire vs Kingdom

Difference Between Empire and Kingdom

Empire

Kingdom

An Empire is a set of several regions towards one person’s (Emperor or Empress) authority.

A Kingdom is one of the regions under the Empire that a King or a Queen rules.

One person can only rule an Empire, and that is the Emperor or the Empress.

A Kingdom can have more than one ruler at a time.

A Kingdom ruled by one King is called a Monarchy, and when two people rule a kingdom, it is called a Biarchy.

Similarly, when more than two people rule a certain Kingdom, it is called Oligarchy.

An Empire expands in size by absorbing more regions.

A Kingdom transforms into an Empire when it absorbs other regions.

Generally, an Emperor or Empress is the outright authority who settles on critical decisions regarding the empire; however, in specific cases, powerful aristocrats’ voice is also regarded.

A King or Queen is the authority, but on account of a constitutional monarchy, the authority might be restricted by a parliament or the ruling body of ministers.

Examples: British Empire, Roman Empire, Arab Empire, etc.

Examples: Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Travancore Kingdom, etc.

Empire and Kingdom

We have already understood the difference between empire and kingdom. Both their natures and how they were created differ from one another. In contrast to a kingdom, which is just a country or nation-state dominated by another force, an empire is a collection of sovereign states that have come under the sway of one dominant entity.

To compare and contrast Empire and Kingdom and know how are Empires different from kingdoms, it is important to understand the characteristics mentioned below.

What is an Empire?

An Empire or realm is a group of states or nations controlled by a solitary ruler, an oligarchy, or a sovereign state. An Emperor or Empress rules an empire. They are considered more powerful than Kings or Queens since they command a larger geographical region.

  • Kings or Queens can likewise govern the various states and locales, but the Emperor controls the whole region.
  • An Empire can come into power by legacy or conquest.
  • A large portion of the strong empires in the world are made by conquering various nations.
  • For example, when a King conquers another region, his Kingdom becomes an Empire, and he becomes an Emperor.
  • An empire is ruled by an Emperor, whereas a King/Queen rules a Kingdom.
  • An empire is larger in geographical area than a kingdom.
  • An empire can develop from another empire either voluntarily—when the citizens of a nation consent to cede control to a foreign government, or involuntarily when an outside force overthrows that nation’s government.
  • In essence, it is a nation that has abused force to rule its own citizens.

What is a Kingdom?

A Kingdom is a single state or country administered by a King or Queen. A Queen becomes the ruler when the King dies or no male beneficiaries are in the Royal family. Kingdoms can have more than one ruler at a time.

  • A Kingdom ruled by one King is called a Monarchy, and when two people rule a Kingdom, it is called a Biarchy.
  • Similarly, when more than two people rule a certain Kingdom, it is called an oligarchy.
  • Even though a King or Queen is considered the Kingdom’s ruler, the Kingdom can also be a part of an Empire.
  • When this happens, the ruler of the Kingdom is under the empire’s influence.

Conclusion:

Key Difference Between Empire and Kingdom – Empire vs Kingdom

The key difference between Empire and Kingdom is that an empire is a collection of nations, states, or areas under the control of a monarch, an oligarchy, or a sovereign state. However, a kingdom is a nation, state, or region governed by a king or queen.

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