Did the Germanic world take part in the global turning point of the modern era and the process of conquest and colonization that characterized it? Despite being a major player in international relations from the 15th to the early 19th centuries, the Holy Roman Empire is largely absent from research on empires today. Indravati Félicité helps us to rediscover this connected empire and in doing so, offers up a reflection on the notions of empire and imperiality.