Discover the Top 10 biggest empires in the world history, including the World’s most powerful empires and Largest empire ever in the world ever. Explore rankings for the Top 10 best empire in the world, ranging from the Top 10 most biggest empire in the world to the Top 20 biggest empires in the world, and learn about these historical Largest empires by size.
Biggest Empires in World History: The British Empire, at its zenith, was the largest in the world, spanning over 13.71 million square miles. Over time, empires have played a significant role, impacting civilizations with their size and influence.
In this article, we have covered the List of the 10 Biggest Empires in the World and the largest Empires in the world by Population, the Greatest Empires in History with timelines, and many more in Detail.
Let’s dive right in.
Top 10 Biggest Empires in World History
Top 10 Biggest Empires in World
The 10 biggest empires in the world are mentioned below in this table:
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World’s Most Powerful Empires
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Rank
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Empire
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Extend (in sq. mi)
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% of World Land Area
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1.
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British Empire
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13.71 million
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26.35%
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2.
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Mongol Empire
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9.27 million
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17.81%
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3.
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Russian Empire
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8.8 million
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16.92%
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4.
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Qing Dynasty
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5.68 million
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10.91%
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5.
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Spanish Empire
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5.29 million
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10.17%
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6.
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Second French Colonial
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4.44 million
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8.53%
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7.
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Abbasid Caliphate
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4.29 million
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8.24%
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8.
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Umayyad Caliphate
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4.29 million
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8.24%
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9.
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Yuan Dynasty
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4.25 million
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8.16%
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10.
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Xiongnu Empire
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3.47 million
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6.68%
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Top 10 Biggest Empires in World History
- British Empire: Once covered nearly a quarter of the world’s land area.
- Mongol Empire: Largest contiguous land empire, spanning Asia and Europe.
- Russian Empire: Stretched over three continents, making it one of the largest in history.
- Qing Dynasty: Dominated East Asia, becoming the largest empire in Chinese history.
- Spanish Empire: One of the first global empires, spreading across the Americas and Asia.
- Umayyad Caliphate: Expanded rapidly across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Roman Empire: Influential in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
- Ottoman Empire: Controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
- Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire): Known for its administrative efficiency and road system.
- French Colonial Empire: At its peak, it was the second-largest empire after the British Empire.
Greatest Empire of All Time – British Empire
The British Empire, the world’s largest recorded empire, spanned an expansive 13.71 million square miles at its peak—nearly a quarter of the Earth’s land area. Referred to as the empire where the “sun never set,” it extended from North America to Africa, Asia to Australia, showcasing its influence across diverse climates and cultures.
British Empire
This vast empire left an indelible mark on global politics, economics, and culture from the 17th century to the late 20th century. Despite the era being marked by exploration and colonization, there were periods of active conflicts.
At its zenith in 1913, the British Empire governed 23% of the world’s population, reaching far beyond territorial control to impact language, law, and governance. Notably, English’s global prominence is among the lasting achievements of the British Empire.
Here are some facts about British Empire given below:
- Geographic Extent: At its zenith, the British Empire was the largest empire in history in terms of land area. It spanned approximately 13.71 million square miles.
- Colonial Holdings: The British Empire had colonies and territories in various parts of the world, including India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Africa, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
- Economic Impact: The British Empire had a profound impact on global trade and the world economy. The empire facilitated the exchange of goods, resources, and ideas across its vast territories.
- Cultural Influence: The British Empire spread the English language, British institutions, and cultural practices across its colonies, leaving a lasting impact on many aspects of global culture.
- Industrial Revolution: The economic developments and technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries in Britain contributed to the empire’s economic power.
- Legal and Political Systems: The British Empire left behind a legacy of legal and political systems in many of its former colonies. Common law and parliamentary systems, for example, continue to influence many nations today.
- Imperial Administration: The British Empire developed administrative structures and bureaucracy to govern its vast territories, with imperial policies and decisions often emanating from London.
- Abolition of Slave Trade: Britain played a prominent role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade during the 19th century, which had a significant impact on global human rights efforts.
Second Largest Empire in the World – The Mongol Empire
Founded by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, the Mongol Empire stands as the largest contiguous land empire in history, spanning over 9.27 million square miles at its zenith. Genghis Khan’s military brilliance led Mongol armies to conquer vast territories, connecting diverse cultures from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East.
Mongol Empire
Characterized by religious tolerance and a promotion of trade, the Mongol Empire facilitated the exchange of ideas and technologies across Eurasia. Under Mongol patronage, the Silk Road thrived as a major trade route, fostering economic and cultural connections between the East and West.
While contributing to progress in administration and governance, the Mongol conquest also brought turmoil and devastation to some regions. The empire began its decline in the 14th century, eventually being absorbed into emerging powers.
Here are some important points about Second Largest Empire in the World (The Mongol Empire):
- Founder: Genghis Khan (Temüjin) founded the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century.
- Territorial Extent: At its height, the Mongol Empire covered over 9.27 million square miles, making it the largest contiguous land empire in history.
- Geographic Reach: Stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan and from the Indian subcontinent to the Middle East.
- Military Brilliance: Genghis Khan, known for his military brilliance, led Mongol armies to conquer vast territories and link diverse cultures.
- Religious Tolerance: The Mongol Empire was characterized by religious tolerance, allowing diverse faiths to coexist within its borders.
- Trade and Cultural Exchange: Encouraged the development of trade, particularly along the Silk Road, leading to the exchange of ideas and technologies across Eurasia.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: The Silk Road flourished under Mongol patronage, fostering economic and cultural connections between Eastern and Western civilizations.
- Administrative Contributions: Contributed to progress in administration and governance in the regions under Mongol control.
- Decline: The Mongol Empire began experiencing decline effects from the 14th century and eventually was absorbed into other emerging powers.
Third Largest Empire in the World – The Russian Empire
The empire of Russia was established in the 18th century and is considered as the one of the largest empires which has ever existed, covering 14.41 million square kilometres at its peak. It was stretching from Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean and through Siberia, with strong intervention in European and Asian affairs.
Russian Empire
The Russian Empire was very diverse as it included many nations and cultures. It was an absolute monarchy in which the Tsar was supreme. The empire held important roles in Eastern Europe and Central Asia’s political and cultural development.
In 20th Century, the Soviet Union was formed due to collapse of the Russian Empire after the happening of 1917 Revolution in Russia.
- Founding: The Russian Empire emerged from the Tsardom of Russia, officially proclaimed in 1721 by Peter the Great.
- Territorial Extent: At its height, the Russian Empire was the largest contiguous empire in the world, covering approximately 8.8 million square miles.
- Geographic Reach: It spanned Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and North America, with territories extending from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
- Cultural Diversity: The Russian Empire was characterized by its vast cultural and ethnic diversity, encompassing various ethnic groups and religious traditions.
- Administrative Structure: The empire was administratively organized into provinces and governorates, with a central autocratic government in Saint Petersburg.
- Expansion into Siberia: Russian expansion into Siberia was a significant aspect of the empire’s growth, driven by fur trade and territorial expansion.
- Orthodox Christianity: The Russian Orthodox Church played a central role in the religious and cultural life of the empire.
- Military Power: The Russian Empire had a formidable military, and its expansion often involved conflicts with neighboring powers.
- End of the Empire: The Russian Empire came to an end with the Russian Revolution of 1917, leading to the establishment of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and the eventual formation of the Soviet Union.
World’s Most Powerful Empires
- Roman Empire: Set the foundation for Western civilization.
- Mongol Empire: Revolutionized trade and communication across its territories.
- British Empire: Played a pivotal role in global trade and colonization.
- Ottoman Empire: A key player in the politics of Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Persian Empire: Made significant contributions to art, culture, and science.
Largest Empire Ever in the World
- Mongol Empire: Its vastness and the speed of its expansion remain unparalleled in history.
Top 10 Best Empire in the World
- Roman Empire: For its enduring legacy in law, politics, and culture.
- Han Dynasty: Pioneered innovations in technology, culture, and government.
- British Empire: Influenced modern democracy, language, and global systems.
- Mughal Empire: Known for its architectural marvels and rich cultural contributions.
- Egyptian Empire: Ancient civilization renowned for its advances in writing, architecture, and governance.
Top 10 Most Biggest Empire in the World
- Reiterates the significance of the British, Mongol, and Russian empires, emphasizing their extensive reach and impact.
Top Ten Largest Empires in the World
- Further includes the Abbasid Caliphate, Portuguese Empire, and the Maurya Empire, highlighting their historical and cultural significance.
Top 20 Biggest Empires in the World
- Expands to include the Byzantine Empire, the Carolingian Empire, and the Japanese Empire, noting their contributions to history and culture.
Largest Empires by Size
- Mongol Empire: Over 24 million square kilometers at its peak.
- British Empire: Controlled 35.5 million square km of land.
- Russian Empire: Covered over 22.8 million square kilometers.
- Qing Dynasty: Extended over 14.7 million square kilometers.
- Spanish Empire: Spanned across 13.7 million square kilometers.
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Other Biggest Empires in World History
Apart from the three biggest empires in world history, the other empires that have ruled in world history are:
Rashidun Caliphate:
- Time Period: Started in 632 AD after Prophet Muhammad’s death.
- Size: Covered over 3 million square miles (about 6% of the earth’s landmass).
- Tolerance: Conquered people of other faiths were also been treated well, allowed to practice their own religion if they continue to paid taxes.
Portuguese Empire:
- Start and its Ending: Began in 1415 with the capture of Ceuta; ended in 1999 with the handover of Macau.
- Legacy: First global empire and the longest lived modern European colonial empires.
- Major kind of event: Brazil, its most valuable colony, gained independence in 1822.
Abbasid Caliphate:
- Time Period: Lasted from 750 to 1258 AD.
- Size: Covered 4.29 million square miles (over 7% of the earth’s landmass).
- Decline of empire: Turkish army’s rise to power led to its decline.
Umayyad Caliphate:
- Time Period: Ruled from 661 to 750 A.D.
- Size: Covered 5.02 million square miles (over 8% of the earth’s landmass).
- Population: Had 62 million people between 720 and 750, almost 30% of the world’s population.
Yuan Dynasty:
- Time Period: Began in 1271 and lasted till the mid-14th century.
- Size: Covered 5.41 million square miles (over 9% of the earth’s landmass).
- Trade and Visitors: Encouraged foreign trade and hosted visits, including Marco Polo.
Qing Dynasty:
- Time Period: Ruled China from the 17th to the 20th century.
- Size: Covered 5.68 million square miles (nearly 10% of the earth’s landmass).
- Population: Had over 432 million people in 1851, more than 35% of the world’s population.
Spanish Empire:
- Size: Covered 7.72 million square miles (over 13% of the earth’s landmass).
- Population: Had 68.2 million people between 1740 and 1790, about 12% of the world’s population.
- Legacy: Thus empire ranged from Columbus’s days and parts of Africa until the latter 20th century. Also, major fact is that Spanish is now the second most spoken language in the world.
Conclusion – Biggest Empires in World History
In conclusion, what we can say is that these empires tell us a story of the ambition of humans, their cultural exchange and the evolution of governance in our society. Even if these empires are no longer in existence today their impact can be felt in our society. From language and culture to political boundaries and even today’s economic systems, their impact can be felt in every part of the world. Their rise and fall serve as a reminder of temporary nature of power and humanity’s lasting influence on the course of history.
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Biggest Empire of the World – FAQs
What were the largest and second-largest empires in history?
The British Empire was the largest in history, followed by the Mongol Empire as the second-largest.
Can you list the top 10 biggest empires in the world?
- British Empire
- Mongol Empire
- Russian Empire
- Qing Dynasty
- Spanish Empire
- Second French Empire
- Abbasid Caliphate
- Umayyad Caliphate
- Yuan Dynasty
- Portuguese Empire
What percentage of the world did the British Empire cover?
The British Empire covered 26.35% of the world’s land area at its zenith.
Which empire had the largest contiguous land empire in history?
The Mongol Empire is recognized for having the largest contiguous land empire in history.
What are some of the largest empires in history that changed the world?
Notable empires include the British Empire, Mongol Empire, Russian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, each significantly influencing global history.
How did the size of the Russian Empire compare to other historical empires?
The Russian Empire was among the top three largest empires, with a land area of 8.8 million square kilometers.
What are some other significant empires that were among the largest in history?
Other significant empires include the Persian Empire, Han Dynasty, Umayyad Caliphate, and the Spanish Empire.
Which was the biggest empire in the world as per the land area?
The British Empire was the biggest empire in history which was covering an area of 13.71 million square miles.
Which empire had the largest continuous land area in the world?
The Mongol Empire had the largest continuous land area in the whole world.
What caused the decline of the Mongol Empire?
The Mongol Empire had started declining because of problems within the empire along with some administrative issues, and the impact of the Black Death.
What was the reason for ending of the British Empire?
The British Empire gradually declined due to a impacts of World Wars I and II, movements for national independence in the countries where it was there and economic challenges.
Which is the biggest empire in the world?
The British Empire holds the record as the largest empire in world history, spanning over 13.71 million square miles at its height.
Which is the smallest empire in the world?
Defining the smallest empire is subjective, but historically, entities like the fictional Empire of Tamriel in the Elder Scrolls universe might be considered smaller, although this is a fictional creation. In real-world history, identifying the smallest empire is complex due to diverse political entities labeled as empires.
Which is the oldest empire in the world?
The ancient Egyptian civilization, dating back to around 3100 BCE, is often considered one of the oldest empires, along with the Akkadian Empire established by Sargon the Great around 2334 BCE.
Which is the strongest empire in the world?
historically, the Roman, Mongol, and British Empires are often considered among the strongest, each excelling in different aspects.
Which is the most famous empire in world history?
The Roman Empire is widely regarded as the most famous empire in world history.
Which is the most powerful empire in world history?
historically, the Roman, Mongol, and British Empires are often considered among the most powerful.
Which is the most influential empires in world history?
The Roman, Mongol, and British Empires are often considered among the most influential in world history.
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