Throughout human history, war has been a constant threat. From medieval feuds to colonial clashes caused by complex alliances, unresolved tensions, and battles for power that extend far beyond the battlefield, we explore the wars that crossed centuries. Journeying through the various stories that history tells us, come along as we offer a sobering glimpse into the most drawn-out and devastating struggles in human history.
The Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) – 116 Years
The Hundred Years’ War was prolonged multiple times and was fought between England and France over who should claim the French throne. Although it can be called a single war, it was actually fought in a series of truces and battles that spanned over 100 years. Famous events include the Battle of Agincourt, the rise of Joan of Arc, and the use of very early gunpowder weapons. Many say the war changed medieval warfare and contributed to the fall of feudalism in Europe.
The Reconquista (711–1492) – 781 Years
The Reconquista was one of the longest wars in history, lasting almost 800 years. The conflict began when Muslims conquered the Iberian Peninsula in 711, while Christian kingdoms to its north gradually waged war to reclaim the territory. In 1492, when Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand captured Granada, the war officially ended, coinciding with the rise of the Spanish Empire and the Age of Exploration.
The Roman–Persian Wars (54 BCE–628 CE) – 682 Years
The Roman–Persian Wars spanned over 600 years and saw a series of brutal conflicts between the Roman (later Byzantine) Empire and the Persian empires, such as the Sassanians and Parthians. These wars mainly revolved around territorial disputes in the Near East and, funnily enough, led to both empires’ resources being drained, leaving them vulnerable to the expansion of Islamic warlords in the 7th century.
The Anglo-French Wars (1109–1815) – 706 Years
The Anglo-French Wars were not made up of a single war, but rather a series of wars fought between Britain and France. These conflicts include the Hundred Years’ War, countless colonial clashes, and the Napoleonic Wars. Each dispute was motivated by some form of territorial ambition, dynastic claim, or ideological difference that shaped Europe and the rest of the world. The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 spelled the end of the Anglo-French Wars.
The Byzantine–Ottoman Wars (1265–1479) – 214 Years
The Byzantine–Ottoman Wars signified the gradual collapse of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. What started as simple border skirmishes intensified as the Ottomans expanded into Europe. In 1453, the siege and fall of Constantinople marked one of the most pivotal moments in world history, ending the Byzantine Empire and paving the way for the Islamic empire to dominate the region for centuries.
The Dutch–Portuguese War (1602–1663) – 61 Years
The Dutch–Portuguese War began when the Dutch Republic attempted to undermine Portuguese and Spanish dominance over colonies and trade routes. Many battles occurred not only in Europe, but also across South America, Africa, and Asia. The Dutch East India Company played a pivotal role in seizing key territories such as Ceylon, Malacca, and parts of Brazil. Although Portugal retained some locations, the war marked a significant power shift in colonial history.
The Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648) – 80 Years
The Eighty Years’ War, also known as the Dutch War of Independence, was a prolonged conflict between the rebellious provinces of the Low Countries and the powerful Spanish Empire. It began with a revolt against religious persecution and heavy taxation that led to more than 80 years of war. In 1648, after decades of bloodshed, the Treaty of Westphalia recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic and laid the foundation for its sovereignty in Europe.
The Crusades (1095–1291) – 196 Years
The Crusades consisted of a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians in a quest to reclaim Jerusalem and other holy sites from the Muslims. The First Crusade achieved significant success, but subsequent campaigns became increasingly brutal and yielded diminishing returns. Nonetheless, these wars had a lasting impact on Christian-Muslim relations, influencing military techniques and trade in the region. The fall of Acre in 1291 marked the end of the Crusades and Crusader rule in the Holy Land.
The Iberian Union Conflicts (1580–1668) – 88 Years
In 1580, Portugal was absorbed into Spain under Philip II, leading to the loss of its independence and decades of war and unrest. Eventually, the Restoration War was launched by the Portuguese in 1640, and although they began to regain their sovereignty, the war continued. In 1668, with the aid of English and French forces, the conflicts ended with the Treaty of Lisbon, which restored Portugal’s monarchy and independence.
The Wars of the Diadochi (322–275 BCE) – 47 Years
After the death of Alexander the Great, his top generals—the Diadochi—fought over his vast empire. This led to the empire fragmenting into multiple Hellenistic kingdoms, including the Antigonid, Ptolemaic, and Seleucid realms. These wars were very complex, with alliances formed, battles fought, and betrayals made. In the end, none of the Diadochi could reunite Alexander’s empire.
The French Wars of Religion (1562–1598) – 36 Years
France’s Wars of Religion were a particularly dark chapter in its history, pitting Catholic factions against Protestant (Huguenot) nobles and their supporters. The wars were driven by religious animosity and a struggle for power that resulted in the massacre of many Protestants and Catholics alike. These conflict destabilized France to such an extent that Henry IV was forced to issue the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted Protestants limited rights and restored a measure of peace.
The Ottoman–Habsburg Wars (1526–1791) – 265 Years
The Ottoman–Habsburg Wars significantly shaped Southeastern Europe. Many major sieges took place, such as those of Vienna, along with numerous battles across the Balkans and Hungary. Much of the conflict was driven by territorial ambition and religious rivalry. However, in 1791, the Habsburgs finally pushed back against the Ottomans, leading to the Treaty of Sistova.
The Korean Three Kingdoms Wars (1st century BCE–668 CE) – 700 Years
For many centuries, Korea was divided among three great kingdoms—Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla—which vied for dominance over the peninsula. Wars were frequent and involved both external alliances, such as with Tang China, and brutal internal conflicts. In 668, Silla, with the help of the Tang, unified most of Korea and helped shape the early Korean political and cultural identity.
The Yemeni Civil Wars (1962–Present) – 60+ Years
Since the 1962 overthrow of the monarchy in North Yemen, the country has experienced prolonged civil war and political instability. Marked by a North-South divide, foreign intervention, and regional rivalries, decades of unrest have intensified, and the conflict continues. The most recent phase began in 2014 with a Houthi rebellion and a Saudi-led coalition intervention. Unfortunately, the resulting humanitarian crisis remains dire, making Yemen one of the most tragic war zones of the 21st century.
The Afghan Conflicts (1978–Present) – 45+ Years
Afghanistan has experienced continuous conflict since the 1978 communist coup, which led to Soviet intervention. After the Soviets withdrew, a civil war ensued, eventually giving rise to the Taliban. Then, in 2001, following the events of 9/11, the U.S. became involved in the war. Despite two decades of conflict, the Taliban ultimately regained control in 2021. Although some see the conflict as black and white, it actually involves complex tribal dynamics and consistent foreign interference.
