Throughout history, the Biggest empires have shaped the course of civilization, culture, politics, and global trade. From vast territorial expansions to cultural legacies that continue to influence modern societies, these empires played pivotal roles in world history. Here’s a look at the top 10 largest empires in history based on land area.
World’s Largest Empire – The British Empire
- Land Area: 13.71 million square miles
- Percentage of Earth’s Land Area: 26.35%
The British Empire holds the distinction of being the largest empire in world history. At its peak in 1920, it spanned 13.71 million square miles, covering nearly a quarter of the Earth’s landmass. In 1913, it governed 412 million people, roughly 23% of the global population. Known as “the empire on which the sun never sets,” its territories stretched across every continent.
The British Empire expanded through colonization, trade, and wars over several centuries. Despite its decline after World War II, its impact endures today in global politics, economics, language, and culture. Present-day UK still retains 14 overseas territories, such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands.
Second Largest Empire – The Mongol Empire
- Land Area: 9.27 million square miles
- Percentage of Earth’s Land Area: 17.81%
The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Founded by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, it stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan, covering vast portions of Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East.
Between 1270 and 1309, it held over 110 million people—more than 25% of the global population at the time. Renowned for military prowess, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, the empire eventually declined after the Black Death and was fully absorbed by Russia in 1783.
Third Largest Empire – The Russian Empire
- Land Area: 8.8 million square miles
- Percentage of Earth’s Land Area: 16.92%
The Russian Empire was one of the most powerful empires in modern history. At its peak in 1913, it spanned 8.8 million square miles, making up over 15% of the Earth’s surface and housing 176.4 million people, about 9% of the world population.
It was the last absolute monarchy in Europe and played a dominant role in geopolitics prior to World War I. The empire ended after the Russian Revolution of 1917, which gave rise to the Soviet Union.
Top 10 Largest Empires in History – By Land Area
| Rank | Empire | Land Area (sq. mi) | % of Earth’s Land Area |
| 1. | British Empire | 13.71 million | 26.35% |
| 2. | Mongol Empire | 9.27 million | 17.81% |
| 3. | Russian Empire | 8.8 million | 16.92% |
| 4. | Qing Dynasty | 5.68 million | 10.91% |
| 5. | Spanish Empire | 5.29 million | 10.17% |
| 6. | Second French Colonial Empire | 4.44 million | 8.53% |
| 7. | Abbasid Caliphate | 4.29 million | 8.24% |
| 8. | Umayyad Caliphate | 4.29 million | 8.24% |
| 9. | Yuan Dynasty | 4.25 million | 8.16% |
| 10. | Xiongnu Empire | 3.47 million | 6.68% |
Historical Significance
Each of these empires left a lasting legacy, influencing everything from global languages and religions to government structures and international trade routes. While many of these empires have long since faded, their impacts remain deeply embedded in the foundations of modern civilizations.
Whether through the spread of ideas, conquests, or cultural exchange, these empires played defining roles in shaping the world as we know it today.
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