10 Biggest Empires Of The World In History

World history is full of empires, big and small, that have ruled different parts of the world in different eras. Along with establishing the rule, they brought civilization to their territories. Here are the top ten biggest empires of the world.

Biggest Empires Of The World In History

1. British Empire (1815-1914):

The British Empire stands as the largest empire in the world. It began in the 17th century by creating colonies all over the world. At the start of the 20th century, it peaked its rule, covering almost a quarter of Earth. However, after the Second World War, the empire began to crumble as colonies demanded freedom. The US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are amongst some of the former British colonies.

2. Mongol Empire (1206-1368):

Founded in 1206 by Genghis Khan, this is one of the most brutal empires in the world. Everywhere the Mogols went, they slaughtered and looted people mercilessly. The Mongol Empire peaked between 1270 and 1309, ruling over 110 million people in both Europe and Asia. Much of the trade links between the East and West of the world developed during their era. The Mongol Empire started to disintegrate in 1368, creating the path for the Chinese Ming Dynasty. During the ending of this empire and the starts of Sultanate-e-Osmania which starts from Turkish drama serial dirilis ertugrul

3. Russian Empire (1721-1917):

What started as the Principality of Moscow, extended to the shores of the Bering Sea in Alaska by the mid-17th century. By the late 19th century, the Russian Empire included territories in the Caucasus and Central Asia, stretching to Afghanistan and Iran in the East and Germany in the West. The Russian Revolution of 1917 put an end to the third-largest empire in the world.

4. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912):

When it comes to China, the Qing Dynasty ranks as the largest empire in the world. The imperial dynasty reigned between the mid-17th century and early 20th century. Also known as Manchu Dynasty, it covered almost 10% of the Earth’s land during its rule. The Republic of China put an end to the Qing Dynasty.

5. Spanish Empire (1492-1898):

The largest Empire in history to have ruled in Africa is the Spanish Empire. In the 15th century, the states of Castile and Aragon reconquered the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims, laying the foundation of the Spanish Empire. It created colonies in north and South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. At its peak in the 19th century, the Spanish territories covered 13.7 million sq. km. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the world. Even today reminiscent of Spanish rule is evident in many parts of the world including Central America, Africa, and Mexico.

6. Second French colonial Empire (1830-1962):

After Spain, the French Empire became the biggest empire in history to have colonies in Africa. It covered parts of America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific as well. Beginning in the early 19th century, it peaked in the early 20th century covering 11.5 million sq. km. Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are among the former colonies of the second French colonial empire.

7. Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258):

Also known as the Golden Age of Islam, the Abbasid Caliphate was the third Islamic Caliphate. Most of the development in science, mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, and other fields took place during the Abbasid Caliphate. Baghdad was known as the city of learning. Unfortunately, Mongols burnt everything when they plundered the city. The Abbasid Caliphate stretched from India in the East to Algeria in North Africa, covering 11.1 million sq. km.

8. Umayyad Caliphate (661-750):

Succeeding the Rashidun Caliphate, the Umayyads were the second Islamic Caliphate. Their empire stretched from Iran and India in the South-East, the Arabian peninsula in the Middle East to Morocco in Northern Africa. One of the most remarkable achievements of the Ummayad Caliphate is the conquest of Spain under the glorious leadership of Tariq Bin Ziyad. The Umayyad Caliphate spanned over 11 million sq. km.

9. Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368):

As the Mongol Empire began to crumble, the Yuan Dynasty emerged in the mid-to-late 13th century in the Eastern part of the world. It unified the lands of present-day China, Korea, and Mongolia, covering 11 million sq. km. Yuan Dynasty takes credit for bringing peace and prosperity to the region by establishing trade routes.

10. Xiongnu Empire (2nd century BC-1st century AD):

A nomad, Modu Chanyu laid the foundation of one of the oldest empires in the world in the early third century. He brought together the nomadic tribes of the Eurasian Steppe. The Xiongnu Empire stretched from the Manchurian region of present-day China to the Eastern end of Central Asia, controlling 9 million sq. km.

Conclusion:

These were the top ten largest empires in the world. Today they have disintegrated into countless countries. However, they have left a lasting impact on the culture and civilization of the present-day countries in the regions.

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