Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen, leaving indelible marks on the world’s cultural, political, and geographic landscapes.
These vast dominions, forged through conquest, diplomacy, and exploration, have shaped human civilization in profound ways.
In this article, we explore the largest empires in history, delving into their expansive territories, remarkable achievements, and the legacies they have left behind.
From the immense reach of the British Empire, which dominated global politics and trade, to the formidable Mongol Empire, known for its unprecedented military conquests, these empires highlight the diverse ways in which power has been exercised and maintained throughout human history.
Join us as we journey through time, examining the rise and fall of history’s most extensive empires and their lasting impact on the world as we know it today.
Rank | Empire | Time Period | Description |
---|---|---|---|
1 | British Empire | 16th – 20th century | Largest empire in history, covering a quarter of the world’s land area and population at its peak. |
2 | Mongol Empire | 1206 – 1368 | Largest contiguous land empire, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan. |
3 | Russian Empire | 1721 – 1917 | Third-largest empire, stretching from Eastern Europe across Asia to North America. |
4 | Qing Dynasty | 1644 – 1912 | Controlled modern-day China, Mongolia, Taiwan, and parts of Siberia. |
5 | Spanish Empire | 16th – 19th century | One of the first global empires, with territories in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. |
6 | Umayyad Caliphate | 661 – 750 | Stretched from Spain to the Indus River, encompassing much of the Middle East and North Africa. |
7 | Abbasid Caliphate | 750 – 1258 | Controlled a vast region across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. |
8 | French Colonial Empire | 16th – 20th century | Second-largest at its peak, with territories in Africa, Asia, America, and Oceania. |
9 | Portuguese Empire | 15th – 20th century | The first global maritime empire, with territories in Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania. |
10 | Ottoman Empire | 1299 – 1922 | One of the mightiest and longest-lasting empires, controlling large areas of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa for more than 600 years. |
Largest Empires in History
1. British Empire (16th – 20th century) – Approx. 13 million square miles

With an estimated 13 million square miles (33.7 million km²) at its zenith, the British Empire was the largest empire in history. It emerged during the Age of Discovery and quickly expanded through both colonial conquest and commercial dominance.
The empire encompassed territories on every inhabited continent, including significant holdings in:
- North America
- Africa
- Asia
- Oceania
It played a pivotal role in global politics, economics, and culture. Key aspects included the spread of the English language, legal systems, and other cultural elements.
The empire began to decline after World War I and more rapidly after World War II, leading to a process of decolonization.
2. Mongol Empire (1206 – 1368) – Approx. 9.27 million square miles

The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan, was the largest contiguous land empire in history, covering about 9.27 million square miles (24 million km²).
It expanded rapidly through a series of military campaigns characterized by their brutality and efficiency.
At its peak, the empire stretched from Eastern Europe across Asia to the Sea of Japan, encompassing a significant portion of Eurasia. It effectively connected the East and West through the Silk Road, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and even some form of postal system.
The Mongol Empire split into several khanates after the death of Genghis Khan, leading to its eventual decline.
3. Russian Empire (1721 – 1917) – Approx. 8.8 million square miles

The Russian Empire was established in 1721 under Peter the Great and became one of the world’s largest empires, covering about 8.8 million square miles (22.8 million km²). It stretched from Eastern Europe across northern Asia to Alaska.
The empire played a significant role in European politics, especially under leaders like Catherine the Great. It was known for its vast and diverse territories, encompassing various ethnicities, languages, and religions.
The Russian Empire faced challenges due to its immense size, diverse population, and the difficulty of implementing reforms. It eventually collapsed in the wake of the Russian Revolution of 1917, leading to the formation of the Soviet Union.
4. Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) – Approx. 5.68 million square miles

The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912, with a territory that encompassed approximately 5.68 million square miles (14.7 million km²).
Established by the Manchu people who conquered the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty expanded China’s borders to their greatest extent, covering modern-day Mainland China, Taiwan, Mongolia, and parts of Siberia and Central Asia.
The dynasty saw periods of significant cultural, economic, and military strength, particularly during the reigns of emperors like Kangxi and Qianlong.
However, it faced internal rebellions and external pressures in the 19th century, particularly from Western powers, leading to a gradual decline and eventual collapse, paving the way for the establishment of the Republic of China.
5. Spanish Empire (16th – 19th century) – Approx. 5.29 million square miles

The Spanish Empire was one of the first global empires, reaching its maximum extent in the 18th century with an area of approximately 5.29 million square miles (13.7 million km²).
It began with the Age of Exploration in the late 15th century following Columbus’s voyages to the Americas. The empire expanded across vast areas of North, Central, and South America, as well as parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
It was the first empire on which it was said that the sun never set. The Spanish Empire played a key role in the spread of Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, and left a significant cultural and linguistic legacy, especially in the Americas.
It gradually weakened due to wars, internal conflicts, and the rise of other European powers, eventually leading to the loss of its major colonies.
6. Umayyad Caliphate (661 – 750) – Approx. 4.29 million square miles

The Umayyad Caliphate was an Islamic caliphate established after the death of Muhammad. It was a major world power from 661 to 750, covering about 4.29 million square miles (11.1 million km²).
The Umayyads were notable for their vast territorial expansion, stretching from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Indus River in the east, making it one of the largest empires ever.
This expansion facilitated the spread of Islam and the Arabic language, as well as various advancements in science, culture, and architecture.
The caliphate’s capital was initially at Damascus, and later, during the Umayyad dynasty in Spain, at Córdoba. The Umayyad Caliphate eventually fell to the Abbasids, but a branch of the Umayyad family continued to rule in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain) for several more centuries.
7. Abbasid Caliphate (750 – 1258) – Approx. 4.25 million square miles

The Abbasid Caliphate, which succeeded the Umayyad Caliphate, was a major Islamic empire that controlled a vast region of about 4.25 million square miles (11 million km²).
The Abbasids shifted the capital from Damascus to Baghdad, which became a renowned center for science, culture, philosophy, and trade.
This period, often referred to as the Islamic Golden Age, saw significant advancements in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. The empire facilitated the spread of Islamic culture and the Arabic language.
Although the Abbasids lost control of different regions over time, their cultural and intellectual influence remained significant throughout the Islamic world. The caliphate gradually fragmented and was officially abolished after the Mongol sack of Baghdad in 1258.
8. French Colonial Empire (16th – 20th century) – Approx. 4.25 million square miles

The French Colonial Empire was one of the world’s major colonial empires during the 16th to 20th centuries, with its peak territory covering approximately 4.25 million square miles (11 million km²).
It included significant possessions in North America (New France), the Caribbean, West Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia (French Indochina), and the Pacific Islands. The empire played a crucial role in the global spread of French language and culture.
France’s colonial rule varied, with some areas experiencing direct administration and others operating as protectorates or territories with significant autonomy. The empire began to decline after World War II, leading to independence movements and decolonization.
9. Portuguese Empire (15th – 20th century) – Approx. 4.02 million square miles

The Portuguese Empire was the first global maritime empire, originating in the early 15th century during the Age of Discoveries and lasting until the 20th century, covering about 4.02 million square miles (10.4 million km²).
Portugal established trading posts and colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Brazil, parts of India (such as Goa), East Timor, Macau, and various islands and enclaves in Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The empire played a key role in the early European exploration and colonization of the New World and the spice trade. It declined due to competition from other European powers and the costly maintenance of its widespread territories.
10. Ottoman Empire (1299 – 1922) – Approx. 2 million square miles

The Ottoman Empire was a powerful and enduring empire that controlled about 2 million square miles (5.2 million km²) at its peak. Founded by Osman I, it spanned over 600 years, ending after World War I.
The empire encompassed parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, including modern-day Turkey, the Balkans, parts of the Middle East, and North Africa. The Ottomans played a significant role in the politics of Europe and the Mediterranean.
The empire was known for its military prowess, architectural achievements (like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace), and its role as a center of Islamic culture and learning.
The Ottoman Empire gradually weakened due to internal strife and external pressures, culminating in its dissolution and the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey.