The first dynasty to rule the empire were the Sangamgas (AD 1336-1485) who extended the kingdom from Gulbarga in the north and Sri Lanka in the south, to Orissa in the east and Malabar in the west. Following this dynasty were the Suluvas, whose short reign from 1485-1491, was probably a result of weak rulers, political infighting and foreign aggressors.

Historians generally regard the reign of the Tuluvas (AD 1491-1570) as the golden age of the empire. Two great kings ruled during this time: Deva Raya (AD 1424-1446) and the greatest of all, Krishan Deva Raya (AD 1509-1530), who was responsible for erecting a vast number of the temples and structures which can still be found at the site. The battle of Talikota in 1565 and the invasion by Muslims from the south of India brought about the downfall of the Tuluva dynasty and left many of the temples and palaces at Hampi in ruins. The kingdom lingered on for another seventy-six years with the Aravidus (AD 1571-1646) being credited as the last dynasty, but former glories had long since diminished.