Over the last decades, the scientific work on the study of empires has increased massively. However, there are still certain weaknesses and omissions apparent which need to be considered within future research. One reason for these deficits is the “human biological” definition of empires which is still widespread, for empires are treated like vivid creatures in this context. They are imagined as being born or coming into existence before perambulating various stages of human life characterised by youth, growth, maturity, decline, and fall as an alleged natural law. In this traditional perspective, the final stage is seen as death respective downfall by which each empire vanishes completely from the political map. This view is already apparent within ancient historiography and has found its way into the DNA of the historical sciences as a general model. Discussions about rise and downfall, decline and fall do not come to an end and frequently return in different shades. This evident rigidity that forces main questions to a stiff frame despite the complex nature of the object of research is fostered by Eurocentric perspectives which are still predominant. This mind-set is characterised by traditional chronological and geographical emphases. It is the aim of this commission to leave this behind. An ideal setting for a vast perspective can be offered by a variety of disciplines and the historical depth of the Austrian Academy of Sciences ensuring an inevitable universal historical access. It is important to overcome the Eurocentric perspective and to establish a new view which is characterised by chronological depth and geographical openness. By applying the comparative model of “Transformation of Empire” a new approach is to be tested which reaches beyond the limits of disciplines and focuses on the study of the ancient worlds of Afro-Eurasia.