The three empires often referred to as the "Age of Empires" include the British Empire, the Spanish Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The term generally reflects the period from the late 15th century to the early 20th century, characterized by extensive colonial expansion and the establishment of vast overseas territories. The British Empire became the largest in history, famously stating that "the sun never sets on the British Empire." The Spanish Empire was instrumental in the colonization of Latin America, while the Ottoman Empire spanned Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. These empires profoundly shaped global trade, culture, and geopolitics during this transformative era.