Customizable Rug. Message in for custom order placement. Priced by square foot. The Empire period began when Napoleon proclaimed himself the Emperor of France in 1804. Inspired by the early 19th century, this fresh interpretation and use of Greek and Egyptian motifs used during this period harkened back to earlier Empires to help provide a sense of history and gravitas. This fresh interpretation of the early 19th century feels very much of today.