The Maurya Empire, which existed more than 2,000 years ago, was the mightiest civilization that India has ever known. It was more than one and a half times the size of modern-day India in geographical extent. The Maurya Empire was established just after the death of Alexander the Great. Fear had prevented his troops from marching farther to invade the subcontinent, which became the fuel for India to reinvent itself as an indomitable mega-culture. During the reign of nine emperors and over 140 years, the Maurya Empire dominated the region. While it was a monarchy, the rulers ensured the empire's longevity and widespread loyalty by putting their subjects first. In a stroke of genius not seen before in the ancient world of conquering and bloodshed, the Mauryan emperors built infrastructure and roads not just for trade but also for the health and well-being of the people and animals.