Final answer:
Empires have demonstrated significant achievements in creating civil order and contributing to the advancement of societies, but also have practices of conquest and cultural destruction, exemplified by the likes of the Persian Empire and Islamic societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Empires throughout history have been complex entities with both impressive achievements and destructive tendencies. While they have been responsible for creating systems that allowed for civil and economic order, they have also been vehicles of oppression and conquest.
These vast territories, such as the Persian Empire conquered by Alexander the Great, often assimilated various cultural practices but were established through the might of military conquest.
Empires like those in the Islamic world brought about remarkable scientific work and commercial prosperity, yet fell short of triggering sweeping global changes, such as those seen in the Western world during the industrial revolution. The legacies of empires are multifaceted; they often laid the groundwork for economic organization, technological advancements, and the rule of law.
However, their expansion was frequently paired with devastating warfare, cultural destruction, and the imposition of control over various peoples.