An empire is a large, complex political entity that is typically composed of multiple nations, territories, and dominions. MONARCHY is a form of government in which a single person, usually a king or queen, holds supreme authority over the state. SOVEREIGNTY is the right of a state to govern itself independently. TERRITORY is an AREA of land under the jurisdiction of a state or NATION. DOMINION is a TERRITORY or region controlled by a ruler or government. DOMAIN is a TERRITORY over which RULE or control is exercised. LANDS refer to a geographic AREA owned by a person or organization. NATION is a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language. REIGN is the period of time during which a monarch rules. RULE is the exercise of authority or power. AREA is a part of a region or TERRITORY. KINGDOM is a state or government having a king or queen as its head. REALM is a KINGDOM or DOMAIN ruled by a sovereign. The INCA Empire was a large political entity in South America from the 15th to 16th centuries. The ROMAN Empire was a large political entity in Europe from 27 BC to 476 AD. The OTTOMAN Empire was a large political entity in the Middle East from 1299 to 1922.