Highkeeper Ra and the other keepers battled the Black Empire for years beyond counting. This empire was specifically formed around the corrupting location where Y'Shaarj was embedded somewhere near the center of ancient Kalimdor. Like most of the dominions of the other Old Gods, the Black Empire was built by aqir laborers directed by ruthless n'raqi taskmasters. As the empire rose, it attracted the attention of the incumbent elemental lords who attacked it ceaselessly, before they too were enslaved.