Free Online Empire Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

Tel Aviv University

The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I (Coursera)

Humanities History

Embark on a journey through history with 'The Emergence of the Modern Middle East - Part I'. This course unravels the complex tapestry of events that shaped the contemporary Middle East. From the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire to the rise and fall of Arab nationalism, this course provides an in-depth analysis of the region's evolution, including its religious dynamics, state formation, and the ongoing impact of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Jun 1st 2026

4 Weeks

History Modernity Empire

Coursera

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Organising an Empire: The Assyrian Way (Coursera)

Humanities History

Dive into the fascinating history of the Assyrian Empire, a powerful civilization that dominated the Near East from 911 to 609 BC. This course offers an in-depth look at how they organized one of the first empires in human history, their innovative military tactics, advanced administrative systems, and rich cultural heritage.

May 18th 2026

5-12 Weeks

History Court Ancient

Saylor Academy

Saylor.org

Empire and States in the Middle East and Southwest Asia (saylor.org)

Humanities

Dive into the fascinating history of the Middle East and Southwest Asia with our online course. From ancient civilizations to the rise and fall of empires, this course offers an in-depth exploration of the region's past, leading up to the end of World War I. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those looking to understand the complex tapestry of this influential part of the world.

Legacy Course

Self-Paced

History Asia States

China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism (edX)

EdX

HarvardX,Harvard University

China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism (edX)

Humanities History

Dive deep into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese history with 'China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism'. This course takes you through the rise and fall of the Qin and Han dynasties, shedding light on their governance systems and how they shaped China. Discover the early introduction and spread of Buddhism in China, a transformative period that saw the emergence of new philosophies and self-realization practices.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

History Art China

FutureLearn

University of Exeter

Empire: The Controversies of British Imperialism (FutureLearn)

Humanities History

Dive deep into the contentious world of the British Empire with 'Empire: The Controversies of British Imperialism' on FutureLearn. This course unravels six pivotal themes that have sparked debate among historians for years. From the economic foundations to the social and cultural impacts, this course offers a nuanced understanding of Britain's imperial past.

Available Now

5-12 Weeks

History Empire British Empire