Much of military history is composed of battles, which are large-scale conflicts between two or more opposing forces. Battles have been fought since ancient times and have shaped the course of history in many ways. They have been fought for a variety of reasons, including territorial disputes, religious differences, and economic gain. Battles have also been used to settle political disputes and to gain control of resources. The outcomes of battles have had far-reaching consequences, from the rise and fall of empires to the establishment of new nations.