List of 150+ Largest Empires in History: 10 with Dominance

(Last Updated On: November 18, 2023)

The tale of the largest empires in history is a chronicle of grandeur and fragility, a testament to the heights humanity can reach and the depths to which it can descend. From the zenith of imperial ascendance to the nadir of inevitable decline, these empires have carved a narrative that transcends epochs, the list of the largest empires in History, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of humanity. As we reflect upon their legacies, we are compelled to navigate the present with a nuanced understanding of the past, lest we, too, become threads in the ever-unfolding tapestry of history.

The Grand Tapestry of History’s Largest Empires

Throughout the tapestry of time, the world has borne witness to the ebb and flow of empires, each a chapter in the grand narrative of human civilization. These colossal entities have left an indelible mark on the annals of history, characterized by a kaleidoscope of vigor, uniqueness, traditions, and a symphony of inventions. In this exploration, we embark upon a journey through the epochs, unraveling the tales of prosperity, boom, excellence, and the extraordinary wonders that unfolded within the sprawling realms of these empires. Yet, intertwined with the marvels are the darker threads of surprises, killings, brutality, lechery, and cruelty, offering a nuanced perspective on the colossal forces that shaped the course of humanity.

The Rise: Triumphs and Glories of Imperial Ascendance

The rise of empires is a saga etched in the sands of time, marked by the audacity of ambition and the conquest of vast expanses. As these juggernauts ascended, they brought forth not merely territorial dominance but a mosaic of cultures, each contributing to the empire’s unique identity. The triumphant echoes of victory resonated in the architectural marvels, the bustling markets, and the labyrinthine networks of trade routes that crisscrossed continents. The vibrancy of these empires pulsated through the veins of their societies, fostering a sense of awe and admiration that echoed through the generations.

The Fall: Echoes of Decline and the Unraveling of Greatness

However, no empire stands invincible against the relentless march of time. The fall of empires, like the fading notes of a once majestic symphony, reveals a poignant truth about the impermanence of power. Whether succumbing to internal strife, external invasions, or the inexorable weight of their ambitions, the decline of these behemoths is a testament to the capricious nature of historical forces. The echoes of their decline resonate with lessons for posterity, as empires crumble under the weight of hubris, mismanagement, and the inexorable march of progress.

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Traditions and Wonders Unveiled

Within the sprawling dominions of empires, a rich tapestry of traditions unfolded, weaving a cultural kaleidoscope that spanned the spectrum of human experience. From the opulent courts of emperors to the bustling bazaars where merchants traded exotic goods, each empire carved a unique niche in the annals of cultural history. Architectural wonders, philosophical revelations, and artistic renaissances were the hallmarks of these civilizations, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends the sands of time.

The Dark Underbelly: Shadows of Brutality and Cruelty

Yet, alongside the brilliance of these empires, shadows lurked in the corners, revealing the dark underbelly of power. The corridors of history echo with tales of brutality, lechery, and cruelty that stain the legacy of even the mightiest empires. Whether in the form of tyrannical rulers, ruthless conquests, or the exploitation of the weak, the darker facets of imperial rule cast a somber pall over the grandeur, serving as a stark reminder that power, when unchecked, can unleash the basest instincts of humanity.

Legacy: An Enduring Imprint on the Tapestry of Time

As the empires rose and fell, their legacies endured, imprinted on the ever-evolving fabric of human history. The echoes of their triumphs and tribulations resonate in the cultural, political, and economic landscapes of the present day. The lessons gleaned from the largest empires in history serve as a compass for navigating the complexities of the modern world, offering insights into the cyclical nature of power, the importance of governance, and the fragility of human aspirations in the face of time’s inexorable march.

Top Ten Empires and Their Vast Territorial Dominance

The expansive legacy of empires throughout history is vividly captured in this comprehensive list, delineating their territorial expanse based on the geographical area under their sway. The metric employed in assessing the colossal domains of these empires is the vast stretches of dry land under their dominion. In the event of a contentious estimation, the entries in this list are meticulously organized by the minimal range of estimates, unraveling a nuanced understanding of the sheer enormity of these historical juggernauts.

A Colossus in Historical Dimensions

Upon perusal of this meticulously curated roster of the largest empires in history, the unequivocal behemoth emerges — none other than the British Empire. It assumes the mantle of the most expansive empire ever, its enormity measured not merely by landmass but also by the audacious sprawl of its influence across the vast expanses of oceans. Yet, beneath the overarching umbrella of the British Empire’s dominance, a subtle distinction beckons attention. The title of the largest joint empire is indisputably claimed by the Mongolian Empire, a sprawling Eurasian entity that weaves together a tapestry of territorial control spanning diverse landscapes.

Intricacies Unveiled: The Geographic Tapestry of the Mongolian Empire

Delving into the intricate contours of historical empires, the Mongolian Empire stands out as a titanic colossus, etching its dominance across the expansive canvas of Eurasia. Unlike the British Empire, which boasts supremacy in sheer size, the Mongolian Empire asserts its prominence as the largest joint empire. This distinction finds its roots in the sprawling reach of the Mongolian Empire, seamlessly knitting together diverse regions of the Eurasian landscape. The tapestry of its territorial control extends far beyond contiguous landmasses, entwining cultures, civilizations, and geographies in a singular thread of influence.

Estimation Precision: Sorting Entries by Minimum Range

Navigating the intricacies of historical estimations, a crucial facet of this expansive list lies in its meticulous sorting mechanism. In instances where debates surrounding estimation arise, the entries gracefully yield an analytical order defined by the minimum range of estimates. This discerning approach unveils a nuanced perspective, ensuring that the reader is not only privy to the grandiosity of these empires but also to the inherent uncertainties in historical assessments. Each entry, a testament to the ebb and flow of historical interpretation, is a brushstroke in the vibrant tableau of human civilization.

1. British Empire: The Sun Never Sets on Imperial Supremacy

The British Empire, once touted as the empire on which the sun never set, epitomized unparalleled territorial dominion during its zenith. Its colossal influence spanned across continents, enveloping diverse cultures, regions, and climates under the Union Jack. From the bustling streets of London to the vast expanses of the Indian subcontinent, the British Empire’s dominion reached far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.

Establishing its imperial sway through strategic alliances, colonization, and economic prowess, the British Empire became the epitome of global dominance in the 19th century. The intricate network of colonies, protectorates, and dominions showcased the unprecedented extent of British influence, shaping political, economic, and social landscapes across the globe. The imperial legacy of the British Empire remains a complex tapestry, interwoven with both triumphs and controversies that have resonated through the corridors of time.

2. Mongol Empire: The Conquest of the World’s Largest Land Empire

In the annals of history, the Mongol Empire stands as a testament to the audacity of conquest and the nomadic spirit of the steppes. Originating under the leadership of Genghis Khan in the 13th century, the Mongol Empire rapidly expanded, engulfing the largest land empire the world had ever witnessed. From the sweeping plains of Central Asia to the ancient civilizations of China and the Islamic heartlands, the Mongols left an indomitable imprint on the world map.

The Mongol conquests were marked by unparalleled military strategies, superior horsemanship, and a nomadic resilience that defied conventional notions of empire-building. The empire’s vast expanse, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Korean Peninsula, showcased the nomadic prowess of the Mongols, who successfully bridged diverse cultures and landscapes under their rule. The Mongol Empire’s legacy, a paradox of destruction and unification, continues to evoke awe and fascination, symbolizing the transient nature of imperial power.

3. Russian Empire: The Vast Territorial Reach of the Bear

The Russian Empire, a behemoth that straddled Europe and Asia, emerged as a geopolitical force to be reckoned with in the annals of imperial history. Spanning from the tundra of Siberia to the opulent courts of Saint Petersburg, the Russian Empire’s territorial reach was as diverse as the landscapes it encompassed. Established in the early modern period, Russia’s imperial ambitions mirrored its quest for strategic dominance and access to warm-water ports.

The vastness of the Russian Empire, characterized by its harsh climates and expansive wilderness, posed both challenges and opportunities for imperial rule. The assimilation of diverse ethnic groups, from the Baltic to the Caucasus, highlighted the empire’s commitment to territorial integration. The Russian Empire’s narrative is one of expansion, conflict, and adaptation, mirroring the complexities of managing a vast and diverse expanse that extended across two continents.

4. Spanish Empire: The Sun Setting on Imperial Splendor

The Spanish Empire, a colossus of conquest and exploration, wielded its imperial influence during the Age of Discovery. Rooted in the endeavors of explorers like Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, the Spanish Empire spanned the Americas, Asia, and Africa, creating an intricate tapestry of territories under the Castilian crown.

From the glittering treasures of the Aztec and Inca civilizations to the spice-laden ports of the Philippines, the Spanish Empire embraced cultural diversity amid its imperial ambitions. The grandeur of the empire, however, was juxtaposed with the complexities of colonial governance, religious conflicts, and the clash of civilizations. The legacy of the Spanish Empire echoes through the linguistic, cultural, and architectural remnants that endure in the vast swathes of its once sprawling dominion.

5. Qing Dynasty: The Celestial Expanse of Imperial China

The Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial stronghold, etched its mark on history with a sprawling empire that stretched across East Asia, Central Asia, and the Himalayan foothills. Emerging in the 17th century, the Qing rulers navigated the intricacies of governance, assimilating diverse ethnic groups under the umbrella of Confucian order and celestial authority.

The Qing Empire’s territorial reach extended from the fertile plains of the Yangtze River to the arid expanses of Inner Asia, encompassing the Tibetan Plateau and Mongolia. The imperial court in Beijing radiated influence, and the Qing Dynasty became synonymous with China’s rich cultural heritage. The dynamics of imperial governance, economic prosperity, and the challenges of maintaining unity across vast landscapes defined the saga of the Qing Empire, leaving an enduring impact on the historical narrative of East Asia.

6. Second French Colonial Empire: A Tapestry of Francophone Ambitions

The Second French Colonial Empire, a revival of imperial aspirations in the 19th and early 20th centuries, marked a period of expansion, exploitation, and cultural assimilation. France, driven by economic interests, strategic considerations, and a desire for global prestige, sought to rebuild its colonial portfolio, weaving a narrative that spanned Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean.

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant markets of Algiers, the French tricolor fluttered over a diverse array of territories. The complexities of imperial governance, marked by resistance movements and cultural tensions, unfolded against a backdrop of economic exploitation and geopolitical maneuvering. The Second French Colonial Empire, with its blend of cultural assimilation and colonial exploitation, contributed to the intricate mosaic of global imperial history.

7. Abbasid Caliphate: The Golden Era of Islamic Civilization

The Abbasid Caliphate, heralding the Islamic Golden Age, stands as a testament to the zenith of Islamic civilization. Established in the 8th century, the caliphate’s capital, Baghdad, became a beacon of learning and culture. The House of Wisdom, an intellectual oasis, fostered the translation of ancient texts, preserving and expanding knowledge from Greek, Persian, and Indian sources. The caliphate’s commitment to scholarship, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy propelled it to the forefront of global civilization, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.

The expansive trade networks of the Abbasid Caliphate, intertwined with the Silk Road, facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. Baghdad emerged as a cosmopolitan hub, where merchants, scholars, and artisans from diverse cultures converged. This cultural cross-pollination not only enriched the Islamic world but also influenced the broader tapestry of human civilization. The Abbasid Caliphate, with its intellectual and economic vibrancy, remains a pivotal chapter in the mosaic of global history.

8. Umayyad Caliphate: Unifying the Islamic World

The Umayyad Caliphate, a precursor to the Abbasids, marked the initial phase of Islamic expansion in the 7th and 8th centuries. Under the leadership of the Umayyad dynasty, the caliphate reached its territorial zenith, encompassing regions from Spain to the Indian subcontinent. The Umayyads forged a centralized Islamic state, unifying diverse regions under a common religious and political authority.

The architectural marvels of the Umayyad Caliphate, epitomized by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, showcased a blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Persian influences. This architectural legacy not only symbolized the caliphate’s grandeur but also left an indelible mark on Islamic art and design. The Umayyad Caliphate, despite facing internal challenges and eventual decline, played a foundational role in shaping the political and cultural contours of the Islamic world.

9. Yuan Dynasty: The Mongol Confluence in China

The Yuan Dynasty, established by Kublai Khan, marked the Mongol conquest of China in the 13th century. The dynasty, an integral part of the vast Mongol Empire, brought together disparate cultures and traditions under a single imperial rule. The Mongol influence in China, evident in administrative practices, art, and cuisine, created a unique fusion of Mongol and Chinese elements.

The Yuan Dynasty’s global significance is underscored by the accounts of Marco Polo, who chronicled the grandeur of Kublai Khan’s court. The dynasty’s openness to foreign trade and cultural exchange facilitated global integration, contributing to the rich tapestry of the Silk Road. The Yuan Dynasty, though short-lived, left an indelible imprint on China’s history, influencing subsequent dynasties and shaping the Middle Kingdom’s engagement with the wider world.

10. Xiongnu Empire: The Nomadic Conquerors of the Steppes

The Xiongnu Empire, a formidable nomadic power that emerged in ancient Central Asia, played a pivotal role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Eurasian steppes. Their nomadic lifestyle, characterized by skilled horsemanship and mobile military tactics, allowed the Xiongnu to dominate vast stretches of the Asian plains. Their influence extended from the Korean Peninsula to the borders of the Han Dynasty in China. Motivation – Mind – Success – Thinking – Productivity – Happiness

The interactions between the Xiongnu Empire and the Han Dynasty in China were marked by both conflict and diplomacy. The construction of the Great Wall of China, initiated as a defensive measure against Xiongnu incursions, underscores the strategic significance of the nomadic empire. The Xiongnu’s legacy lies in their ability to challenge sedentary civilizations, leaving an enduring impact on the historical narrative of nomadic empires in Central Asia.

List of largest empires in History

The others in the list had no reason to lag as one of the dominating this list of the largest empires:

Empire	Maximum land area
Empire	million km²	million mi²	% of world	Year
British Empire	35.5	13.71	26.35%	1920
Mongol Empire	24.0	9.27	17.81%	1270 or 1309
Russian Empire	22.8	8.80	16.92%	1895
Spanish Empire	13.7	5.29	10.17%	1810
Qing dynasty	12.16 14.7	4.70–5.68	9.02%–10.91%	1820 or 1790
Second French colonial empire	11.5	4.44	8.53%	1920
Abbasid Caliphate	11.1	4.29	8.24%	750
Umayyad Caliphate	11.1	4.29	8.24%	720
Yuan dynasty	11.0 13.72	4.25–5.30	8.16%–10.18%	1310 or 1330
Xiongnu Empire	9.0	3.47	6.68%	176 BC
Empire of Brazil	8.337	3.22	6.19%	1889
Empire of Japan	7.4–8.51	2.86–3.285	5.49%–6.32%	1938 or 1942
Iberian Union	7.1	2.74	5.27%	1640
Eastern Han dynasty	6.5	2.51	4.82%	100
Ming dynasty	6.5	2.51	4.82%	1450
Rashidun Caliphate	6.4	2.47	4.75%	655
Göktürk Khaganate	6.0	2.32	4.45%	557
Golden Horde Khanate	6.0	2.32	4.45%	1310
Western Han dynasty	6.0	2.32	4.45%	50 BC
Achaemenid Empire	5.5	2.12	4.08%	500 BC
Second Portuguese Empire	5.5	2.12	4.08%	1820
Tang dynasty	5.4–10.76	2.08–4.15	4.01%–7.99%	715 or 669
Macedonian Empire	5.2	2.01	3.86%	323 BC
Ottoman Empire	5.2	2.01	3.86%	1683
Roman Empire	5.0	1.93	3.71%	117
Tibetan Empire	4.6	1.78	3.41%	800
Timurid Empire	4.4	1.70	3.27%	1405
Fatimid Caliphate	4.1	1.58	3.04%	969
Eastern Turkic Khaganate	4.0	1.54	2.97%	624
Hephthalite Empire	4.0	1.54	2.97%	470
Hunnic Empire	4.0	1.54	2.97%	441
Mughal Empire	4.0	1.54	2.97%	1690
Great Seljuq Empire	3.9	1.51	2.89%	1080
Seleucid Empire	3.9	1.51	2.89%	301 BC
Italian Empire	3.798–4.25	1.47–1.64	2.82%–3.15%	1938 or 1941
Ilkhanate	3.75	1.45	2.78%	1310
Chagatai Khanate	3.5	1.35	2.60%	1310 or 1350
Sasanian Empire	3.5	1.35	2.60%	550
Western Turkic Khaganate	3.5	1.35	2.60%	630
Western Xiongnu	3.5	1.35	2.60%	20
First French colonial empire	3.4	1.31	2.52%	1670
Ghaznavid Empire	3.4	1.31	2.52%	1029
Maurya Empire	3.4–5.0	1.31–1.93	2.52%–3.71%	261 BC or 250 BC
Delhi Sultanate (Tughlaq dynasty)	3.2	1.24	2.37%	1312
German colonial empire	3.199	1.24	2.37%	1912
Song dynasty	3.1	1.20	2.30%	980
Uyghur Khaganate	3.1	1.20	2.30%	800
Western Jin dynasty	3.1	1.20	2.30%	280
Sui dynasty	3.0	1.16	2.23%	589
Samanid Empire	2.85	1.10	2.12%	928
Eastern Jin dynasty	2.8	1.08	2.08%	347
Median Empire	2.8	1.08	2.08%	585 BC
Parthian Empire	2.8	1.08	2.08%	0
Rouran Khaganate	2.8	1.08	2.08%	405
Byzantine Empire	2.7–2.8	1.04–1.08	2.00%–2.08%	555 or 450
Indo-Scythian Kingdom	2.6	1.00	1.93%	20
Liao dynasty	2.6–4.5	1.00–1.74	1.93%–3.34%	947 or 1111
Greco-Bactrian Kingdom	2.5	0.97	1.86%	184 BC
Later Zhao	2.5	0.97	1.86%	329
Maratha Empire	2.5	0.97	1.86%	1760
Jin dynasty (1115–1234)	2.3	0.89	1.71%	1126
Khwarazmian Empire	2.3–3.6	0.89–1.39	1.71%–2.67%	1210 or 1218
Qin dynasty	2.3	0.89	1.71%	220 BC
First French Empire	2.1	0.81	1.56%	1813
Kievan Rus’	2.1	0.81	1.56%	1000
Mamluk Sultanate	2.1	0.81	1.56%	1300 or 1400
Third Portuguese Empire	2.1	0.81	1.56%	1900
Almohad Caliphate	2.0–2.3	0.77–0.89	1.48%–1.71%	1200 or 1150
Cao Wei	2.0	0.77	1.48%	263
Former Qin	2.0	0.77	1.48%	376
Former Zhao	2.0	0.77	1.48%	316
Inca Empire	2.0	0.77	1.48%	1527
Kushan Empire	2.0–2.5	0.77–0.97	1.48%–1.86%	200
Liu Song dynasty	2.0	0.77	1.48%	450
Northern Wei	2.0	0.77	1.48%	450
Western Roman Empire	2.0	0.77	1.48%	395
Ayyubid dynasty	1.7–2.0	0.66–0.77	1.26%–1.48%	1200 or 1190
Gupta Empire	1.7–3.5	0.66–1.35	1.26%–2.60%	440 or 400
Buyid dynasty	1.6	0.62	1.19%	980
Eastern Wu	1.5	0.58	1.11%	221
Northern Qi	1.5	0.58	1.11%	557
Northern Xiongnu	1.5	0.58	1.11%	60
Northern Zhou	1.5	0.58	1.11%	577
Assyria	1.4	0.54	1.04%	670 BC
Eastern Maurya Empire	1.3	0.50	0.96%	210 BC
Liang dynasty	1.3	0.50	0.96%	502, 549, or 579
Kingdom of Aksum	1.25	0.48	0.93%	350
Shang dynasty	1.25	0.48	0.93%	1122 BC
Francia	1.2	0.46	0.89%	814
Srivijaya	1.2	0.46	0.89%	1200
Indo-Greek Kingdom	1.1	0.42	0.82%	150 BC
Mali Empire	1.1	0.42	0.82%	1380
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth	1.1	0.42	0.82%	1480 or 1650
Almoravid dynasty	1.0	0.39	0.74%	1120
Empire of Harsha	1.0	0.39	0.74%	625 or 648
Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty	1.0	0.39	0.74%	860
Holy Roman Empire	1.0	0.39	0.74%	1050
Khazar Khanate	1.0–3.0	0.39–1.16	0.74%–2.23%	900 or 850
Khmer Empire	1.0	0.39	0.74%	1290
New Kingdom of Egypt	1.0	0.39	0.74%	1450 BC or 1300 BC
Ptolemaic Kingdom	1.0	0.39	0.74%	301 BC
Qara Khitai	1.0–1.5	0.39–0.58	0.74%–1.11%	1130 or 1210
Scythia	1.0	0.39	0.74%	400 BC
Shu Han	1.0	0.39	0.74%	221
Tahirid dynasty	1.0	0.39	0.74%	800
Western Xia	1.0	0.39	0.74%	1100
First Bulgarian Empire	0.807	0.31	0.60%	927
Akkadian Empire	0.8	0.31	0.59%	2250 BC
Avar Khaganate	0.8	0.31	0.59%	600
Chu (state)	0.8	0.31	0.59%	300 BC
First Portuguese Empire	0.8	0.31	0.59%	1580
Huns	0.8	0.31	0.59%	287
Songhai Empire	0.8	0.31	0.59%	1550
Hyksos	0.65	0.25	0.48%	1650 BC
Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt	0.65	0.25	0.48%	550 BC
Austro-Hungarian Empire	0.62	0.24^[25]	0.46%	1905
Caliphate of Córdoba	0.6	0.23	0.45%	1000
Visigothic Kingdom	0.6	0.23	0.45%	580
Zhou dynasty	0.55	0.21	0.41%	1100 BC
Kosala	0.5	0.19	0.37%	543 BC
Lydia	0.5	0.19	0.37%	585 BC
Magadha	0.5	0.19	0.37%	510 BC
Middle Kingdom of Egypt	0.5	0.19	0.37%	1850 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire	0.5	0.19	0.37%	562 BC
Satavahana dynasty	0.5	0.19	0.37%	150
Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt	0.5	0.19	0.37%	715 BC
Western Satraps	0.5	0.19	0.37%	100
Second Bulgarian Empire	0.477	0.18	0.35%	1241
New Hittite Kingdom	0.45	0.17	0.33%	1250 BC–1220 BC
Xia dynasty	0.45	0.17	0.33%	1800 BC
Middle Assyrian Empire	0.4	0.15	0.30%	1080 BC
Old Kingdom of Egypt	0.4	0.15	0.30%	2400 BC
Ancient Carthage	0.3	0.12	0.22%	220 BC
Indus Valley Civilisation	0.3	0.12	0.22%	1800 BC
Mitanni	0.3	0.12	0.22%	1450 BC–1375 BC
First Babylonian Empire	0.25	0.10	0.19%	1690 BC
Aztec Empire	0.22	0.08	0.16%	1520
Elamite Empire	0.2	0.08	0.15%	1160 BC
Phrygia	0.2	0.08	0.15%	750 BC
Second Dynasty of Isin	0.2	0.08	0.15%	1130 BC
Urartu	0.2	0.08	0.15%	800 BC
Middle Hittite Kingdom	0.15	0.06	0.11%	1450 BC
Old Assyrian Empire	0.15	0.06	0.11%	1730 BC
Old Hittite Empire	0.15	0.06	0.11%	1530 BC
Ashanti Empire	0.1	0.04	0.07%	1872
Larsa	0.1	0.04	0.07%	1750 BC–1700 BC
Neo-Sumerian Empire	0.1	0.04	0.07%	2000 BC
Lagash	0.05	0.02	0.04%	2400 BC
Sumer	0.05	0.02	0.04%	2400 BC

Source: Wikipedia