Large empires of the ancient world. Empire is what form of state? The greatest empires in the world

The history of mankind is inextricably linked with the constant struggle for territorial dominance and the increase of subject lands. Our top 10 greatest empires in history will tell you about the most powerful and developed states of the past.

10 Ottoman Empire

The empire was created by the Ottoman Turks in 1299 and was located in northwestern Asia Minor. The total area of all territories of the empire in 1683 was 5.2 million square meters. km. The population reached more than 35 million people. The empire ruled over much of southeastern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It consisted of 32 provinces and many vassal states. Constant religious rivalries and competition from other empires weakened the Ottoman Empire, and in 1922 it ceased to exist.

9 Roman Empire

The empire was founded in 27 BC. e. and was the only state in history whose power extended to the entire Mediterranean coast, as well as to large territorial possessions in Europe. The total area of all its lands in 117 was 6.5 million square meters. km. The population in the same year reached 60 million people. The Roman Empire was overthrown by the Turks in 1453.

8 Portuguese colonial empire

The totality of overseas lands relative to continental Portugal, which were its colonies, formed the Portuguese Empire headed by it. The total area of all its territories was 10.4 million square meters. km. The empire was founded in 1415. At the height of its power, the empire had outposts in India, West Africa and Southeast Asia. Napoleon's invasion of Portugal led to the loss of wealth and power of the empire. And in 1975 the empire ceased to exist.

7 Second French colonial empire

The empire began its existence in 1814. The total area of all its territories, including colonial possessions, in 1943 reached 13.5 million square meters. km., mainly in Asia and Africa. Two world wars shook the power of the empire, and its existence ended in 1962.

6 Yuan Empire

The Yuan Empire was a Mongol state. China occupied the bulk of this empire. The total area of all Yuan lands was 14 million square meters. km. The empire was founded in 1271. The state reached its peak in 1310. Around this period of time, the population was 90 million people. The Yuan Empire ended its existence in 1368 as a result of the so-called. Red Turban Revolts.

5 Great Qing Empire

The Great Qing Empire became the last empire of monarchical China. It was founded on the territory of Manchuria in 1644. Just 30 years later, all the lands of China and part of Central Asia came under its rule. The total area of Qing territories in 1790 was 14.7 million square meters. km., and the population in 1850 reached 432 million people. As a result of the Xinhai Revolution, which occurred at the end of 1911, the last emperor, Pu Yi, abdicated the throne in February 1912, and the empire was overthrown.

4 Spanish Empire

The Spanish Empire was a collection of territories and colonies in America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The existence of the Spanish Empire lasted from 1492 to 1976. At the height of the empire in 1790, there were 20 million square meters under Spanish possessions. km. lands on which 60 million people lived at that time.

3 Russian Empire

The Russian Empire, which existed from 1721 to 1917, became the largest continental monarchy. The total area of Russian territories in 1895 was 22.8 million square meters. km., and the population of the empire is 178.4 million people. The peculiarity of the Russian Empire was the constant expansion of territories.

2 Mongol Empire

The existence of the Mongol Empire lasted from 1206 to 1368. During his reign, Genghis Khan captured all of Eastern Europe right up to the Sea of Japan. The total area of Mongolian possessions in 1279 was 33.2 million square meters. km. The population in the same year reached more than 110 million people. In the 14th century, the empire was gripped by serious internal conflicts, which led to the division of territories into separate uluses. This led to the loss of conquered territories and the collapse of the great empire.

1 British Empire

The British Empire, which existed from 1497 to 1949, was the largest power. The total area of all lands, taking into account colonies on all continents, according to data for 1921, reached 36.6 million square meters. km. The heyday of the empire occurred in 1919-1922. At that time, the total population was 480 million people. Two world wars brought great ruin to the state. The empire overcame the crisis, but lost all its colonies and world domination.

Great empires have come and gone over the centuries. But each left an indelible mark on the history of mankind.

Seizing power over the world is the dream of at least half of the villains from comic books and superhero blockbusters. Some less bloodthirsty individuals (controversial, of course) go about conquering new lands the old-fashioned way: send dreamers or adventurers to explore, and then take the territory from others. However, sometimes (okay, it’s extremely rare) conquerors offer mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful coexistence. In the modern world, no one has taken it upon themselves to lead a new empire (underground and criminal grounds do not count), but back in the middle of the twentieth century, no one thought that the Age of Empires had come to an end. Let's start with 500 BC and follow the milestones of the history of the 25 most grandiose empires of our planet. To simplify understanding, the selected dates indicate the peak of the state's development. The superpowers of the 20th century were not included in the list because they did not call themselves “empires.”

Achaemenid Empire - 500 BC

The Persians, so much disliked by the Spartans, did a lot of good

Being on the 18th line of the hit parade of empires with the largest area, the Achaemenid Power (or the Persian Empire at number one) is already impressive. At the zenith of their power, in 550 before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Achaemenid territory reached an area of 3.5 million square kilometers. Under their rule were the lands of almost all modern states of the Middle East and part of modern Russia. No less surprising is the fact that under Cyrus the Great, architecture and culture rapidly developed in the empire, roads and post offices were built everywhere. The progress is commendable. And every self-respecting ruler did the same.

Empire of Alexander the Great - 323 BC

The Great Conquest of the Great Alexander

Alexander the Great created a state that overthrew the Achaemenid Empire from the pedestal of power (hello Sparta) and completed the construction of a Hellenistic powerful union, glorifying the ancient Greek civilization for centuries, along with Aristotle and mass orgies. At the height of its power, the Macedonian Empire covered 3.5% of the landmass, making it the 21st largest in human history (the losing Persians did surpass Alexander, but that didn't help them much).

Mauryan Empire - 250 BC

Don’t you want imperialism the Indian way?

The death of Alexander the Great came as a complete surprise to his comrades, who were mired in squabbling over pieces of the empire. At this time, distant lands were left to their own devices, which the local rulers did not miss the opportunity to take advantage of: India and the surrounding territories were captured by the Mauryan Empire, which as a result became the most powerful state entity on the Hindustan Peninsula. Under the leadership of the wise and prudent Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Empire occupied about 3 million square kilometers and was the 23rd largest empire in the annals of human development.

Xiongnu - 209 BC

The possible ancestors of the Huns did not waste time

During the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. China was divided into several small fiefdoms, constantly at war with each other. Of course, wars among sedentary peoples attracted the steppe people like vultures. The nomadic Xiongnu tribes easily carried out raids on the provinces in the north, weakened by feudal fragmentation. At its height, the Xiongnu Empire occupied 6% of the landmass and was the 10th greatest power in the annals of history. She was so invincible that it took the Han Dynasty decades of compromises and marriage agreements to keep the invaders in line.

Western Han Dynasty - 50 BC

the period that gave rise to Chinese sovereignty

Speaking about the Han Dynasty, we should not forget about its Western part, which reached the peak of power a century after the Eastern. Of course, its territories are incomparable with the conquests of the Xiongnu, but its area of 3.8 million square kilometers with a population of 57 million people makes one feel respected and put the Western Han at 17th place in the hit parade of empires. In their desire to expand their borders, the Han pushed the Xiongnu to the north and captured the territories of modern Vietnam and Korea. Thanks to the diplomatic talent of the diplomat and traveler Zhang Qian, the dynasty's contacts were expanded to Rome, and the Great Silk Road was opened.

Eastern Han Dynasty - 100

The youngest brother from the Han clan

The Eastern Han Dynasty lasted for nearly two centuries, through riots, conspiracies, political crises, and a faltering economy. Despite its apparent weakness, this empire was the 12th largest in history, leapfrogging its predecessor. Dynastic territories occupied 4.2 million square kilometers (4.4% of the land area).

Roman Empire - 117

Hail Caesar and other imperial habits - everything came from Rome

Due to its wide popularity, the Roman Empire is considered almost the coolest in the world (thanks to American cinema and chroniclers of the Caesars) - legions of soldiers, the Roman Senate, an almost modern standard of living and other wonders of the Dream Factory. By far, at the height of its power, Rome presided over the most extensive and sophisticated political-social structure in Western civilization. The total area of the lands subject to the Senate and the Emperor did not exceed 2.6 million square kilometers, placing the homeland of Gaius Julius Caesar only in 24th place in the list of largest empires. One way or another, the modern world would not be itself if it were not for the ancient Roman state.

Turkic Khaganate - 557

An empire that came out of nowhere

The Turkic Khaganate occupied the territories that are now central and northern China. The history of the origin of the conquering tribe is unclear, but just like the Xiongnu people 600 years before them, the nomads subjugated the territory of Inner Asia, the Silk Road and by 557 owned about 4% of the land surface area. This puts them in 15th place on the list of largest empires.

One of the largest: The Righteous Caliphate - 655

First Muslim state

The Righteous Caliphate became the first state formation in history based on the adherence to religion. In this case, Islam. It was born less than half a century after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in order to unite disparate Muslim communities. Very little time separated the Caliphate from power over Egypt, Syria and the territory of the former Persian Empire. At the time of its greatest power, the area of this state was almost 4 million square kilometers, making it the 14th largest in the entire history of the human race.

Umayyad Caliphate - 720

The splendor and grandeur of the Arab world

The Caliphate became one of the four largest state entities in the Arab world. He grew up during the civil war among the Muslim movements in 661. In addition to control over the lands of the Middle East, the territories of North Africa and Southern Europe were in the hands of the caliph. This power was home to 29% of the planet's inhabitants (62 million people) and its area was 7.45% of the planetary total, making the Umayyad Caliphate the eighth largest empire in history.

Abbasid Caliphate - 750

Empire created by the descendants of the prophet

The age of power of the Umayyads turned out to be short-lived: the caliphate lasted 30 years, and then was captured by the Abbasids, who were led in rebellion by the descendants of the younger uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (as they themselves declared, of course). According to the Abbasids, their “purer” bloodline gave them the right to rule over the faithful. After a successful coup in 750 AD, the Abbasid Caliphate lasted four centuries and acquired many alliances, including with China. Although this empire did not exceed the size of the Umayyad Caliphate, the descendants of Muhammad controlled about 8 million square kilometers of land, which puts their possessions at seventh place in the list of the greatest empires. However, power and size did not help the state, which fell under the onslaught of the hordes of Genghis Khan’s army in 1206.

Tibetan Empire - 800

Diplomacy is Tibet's main weapon

At the time of its heyday, no more than 3% of the world’s population lived on the territory of the Tibetan Empire. And this is because in the West gigantic Muslim states were being born and dying in full swing, and in the East the Tang dynasty, which was in a monolithic alliance with the Arabs, was in full swing. We can say that Tibet at that time was surrounded by a pack of predators who dreamed of snatching a piece from it. And only thanks to diplomacy and good military training of soldiers, the Tibetan Empire lasted 200 years. Oddly enough, it was the growing influence of Buddhism and civil war that destroyed her, not external enemies.

Tang Dynasty - 820

The period that marked the dawn of Chinese culture and art

The Tang Dynasty was the first state entity in China to choose cosmopolitanism and exchange of cultural experiences with other powers. The Tang Golden Age included the invention of the printing press, engravings, and the flourishing of painting and literature. Two poets, Li Bai and Du Fu, considered among the greatest in Chinese history, lived during the Tang Dynasty. This empire did not last long (in comparison with other dynasties of China) - only three centuries, from 618 to 907, but its contribution to world culture and art cannot be underestimated. The territories of the dynasty accounted for 3.6% of the total area.

Mongol Empire - 1270

One of the largest empires and families

Although the name of Genghis Khan is known to almost every inhabitant of the Earth, not everyone understands how huge his empire was. At its peak, the Mongol Empire covered an area of more than 19 million square kilometers (compared to the size of four Roman Empires or three US territories). Therefore, it is not surprising that the state of Genghis Khan “took silver” in the ranking of the largest powers in history.

Golden Horde - 1310

The main enemy of medieval Rus'

Genghis Khan was far from a fool and clearly understood that his power rested on the authority of the leader. To ensure stability and prosperity for the empire, he divided the territories under his rule among his many children, thereby ensuring the law of succession to the throne and division of power. Thus, even individual parts of the Khanate were powerful state formations. The most striking and powerful “branch” of the Mongol Empire was the Golden Horde, which occupied 4.03% of the world’s landmass.

Yuan Dynasty - 1310

An empire that sank into oblivion without reaching maturity

Thanks to the military talents of one of Genghis Khan's many grandsons, first the northern lands of China, and then the rest of its territory, were united under the rule of the Yuan dynasty. By 1310, the Yuan Empire had become the largest independent part of the Mongol Empire, covering an area of 8.5 million square kilometers. To the shame of the descendants of the great conqueror, Yuan also became one of the short-lived empires: riots that flared up throughout the 14th century led to the overthrow of the authorities already in 1368.

Ming Dynasty - 1450

The world's largest fleet is a clear reason for pride

The Ming Dynasty, as one would expect, grew up on the ruins of a bygone empire - the Yuan Dynasty. Although pressed from the north by the Mongols, the Ming still controlled 4.36% of the land area and ranked 13th in the list of major powers. This period also became known for the construction of the largest Chinese (and world) fleet and the rapid development of maritime trade with almost the entire world.

Ottoman Empire - 1683

The Turkish state has always been stable (until now)

Istanbul at that time was still called Constantinople, becoming the capital of the Turkish (or Ottoman) Empire in spite of the entire Christian world. And although the area of this power was not as large as its predecessors, the Ottoman Empire showed miracles of amazing “survivability”. This power successfully developed, prospered and fought for more than six centuries, fighting off attacks from the West and the East from the 13th century, until it fell during the First World War, giving way to the Turkish Republic in 1922.

Qing Dynasty - 1790

The last gasps of the empire before the red era

The Qing, the last imperial dynasty of China, left an impressive legacy: 10% of the planet's territory and almost 400 million inhabitants, including Thailand and Korea. The Qing dynasty held power for nearly four centuries until uprisings in February 1912 prompted the last emperor to abdicate his throne. It was these events that allowed the birth of the only country in the world that successfully used a combination of socialist rule with a capitalist economy - the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Spanish Empire - 1810

Temporary Queen of the Seas

Spain, which had long remained in the shadow of European powers, by the end of the 18th century owned vast territories throughout the Earth. Thanks to its powerful fleet (the long-invincible Spanish Armada), Madrid controlled most of the Caribbean islands, almost all of South America, parts of Central and North America, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and even Europe.

Portuguese Empire - 1820

European old man-long-liver among maritime powers

The Portuguese colonial empire became the first state with a developed connection between the metropolis and the overseas provinces, but did not grow to the size of the Spanish Empire - it had “only” 3.69% of the land area at its disposal. At the same time, the Portuguese Empire became the longest-living in Europe: for six centuries it claimed its rights to lands outside the territorial borders of the state and ceased to exist only on December 20, 1999.

Brazilian Empire - 1889

Gray horse among world powers

Originating as part of Portugal's colonial empire, the Brazilian Empire began its journey in 1822 by declaring independence. The young state immediately attracted attention, which gave rise to military conflicts with Uruguay and Great Britain. Oddly enough, Brazil emerged victorious from both disputes, declaring itself to the whole world as a country with a progressive view of governance and foreign policy. By 1889, the Brazilian Empire occupied most of South America (7 million square kilometers).

Russian Empire - 1895

Land of vast territories and great victories

The Russian Empire became a colossal state that officially existed from 1721 to 1917. Born as an agricultural country with an ancient history and culture, by the 19th century Russia had become a powerful power, ranking among the most developed countries of the time, raising its population level from 15.5 to 171 million people (in 1895). Not only the original Russian lands came under the rule of the Russian emperor, but also Finland, the Baltic states, Poland, and almost all of Asia. Russia received “bronze” and an honorable third place in the ranking of the largest empires in human history.

Second Empire (France) – 1920

Another attempt by the French to become rulers of the planet

In order to compete with Spain, Britain, Portugal, and the United Provinces, France had to go a long way in colonizing overseas lands. The first step towards this was the conquest of Algeria in 1830. By the 20s of the 20th century, France owned lands in Africa, Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East. 7.7% of the world's territory and 5% of the world's population came under French rule.

British Empire - 1920

The greatest power of all time

This may be obvious, but it is no less surprising: the British Empire was the most powerful and largest empire for the entire existence of man on planet Earth. The total area of land subject to the English crown was 26 million sq. km (which is more than 30% greater than the area of the Mongol Empire). A quarter of the world's population was under British rule. The result of such global expansion was the penetration of the English language and culture into all, even the most remote corners of the world.

Most people consider the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997 to be the end of British imperialism. However, if you look at the world map with an open mind, Britain still controls most of the world, although it does so more unobtrusively. And perhaps it was Foggy Albion that achieved world domination.

Of course, history also knows other empires - the Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations, Knossos and Mycenaean culture, the Etruscan empire. However, all of them, although they made an incredible contribution to culture, art, science and the development of humanity, were not outstanding in size. They, ancient civilizations, as a source of wisdom and progress, should be discussed separately.

The history of mankind is a continuous struggle for territorial dominance. Great empires either appeared on the political map of the world or disappeared from it. Some of them were destined to leave an indelible mark behind them.

Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire, 550 - 330 BC)

Cyrus II is considered the founder of the Persian Empire. He began his conquests in 550 BC. e. with the subjugation of Media, after which Armenia, Parthia, Cappadocia and the Lydian kingdom were conquered. Did not become an obstacle to the expansion of the empire of Cyrus and Babylon, whose powerful walls fell in 539 BC. e.

While conquering neighboring territories, the Persians tried not to destroy the conquered cities, but, if possible, to preserve them. Cyrus restored captured Jerusalem, like many Phoenician cities, facilitating the return of Jews from Babylonian captivity.

The Persian Empire under Cyrus extended its possessions from Central Asia to the Aegean Sea. Only Egypt remained unconquered. The country of the pharaohs submitted to the heir of Cyrus, Cambyses II. However, the empire reached its heyday under Darius I, who switched from conquests to internal politics. In particular, the king divided the empire into 20 satrapies, which completely coincided with the territories of the captured states.
In 330 BC. e. The weakening Persian Empire fell under the onslaught of the troops of Alexander the Great.

Roman Empire (27 BC - 476)

Ancient Rome was the first state in which the ruler received the title of emperor. Beginning with Octavian Augustus, the 500-year history of the Roman Empire had a direct impact on European civilization and also left a cultural mark on the countries of North Africa and the Middle East.
The uniqueness of Ancient Rome is that it was the only state whose possessions included the entire Mediterranean coast.

At the height of the Roman Empire, its territories extended from the British Isles to the Persian Gulf. According to historians, by 117 the population of the empire reached 88 million people, which was approximately 25% of the total number of inhabitants of the planet.

Architecture, construction, art, law, economics, military affairs, the principles of government of Ancient Rome - this is what the foundation of the entire European civilization is based on. It was in imperial Rome that Christianity accepted the status of a state religion and began its spread throughout the world.

Byzantine Empire (395 - 1453)

The Byzantine Empire has no equal in the length of its history. Originating at the end of antiquity, it existed until the end of the European Middle Ages. For more than a thousand years, Byzantium was a kind of connecting link between the civilizations of the East and West, influencing both the states of Europe and Asia Minor.

But if Western European and Middle Eastern countries inherited the rich material culture of Byzantium, then the Old Russian state turned out to be the successor to its spirituality. Constantinople fell, but the Orthodox world found its new capital in Moscow.

Located at the crossroads of trade routes, rich Byzantium was a coveted land for neighboring states. Having reached its maximum borders in the first centuries after the collapse of the Roman Empire, then it was forced to defend its possessions. In 1453, Byzantium could not resist a more powerful enemy - the Ottoman Empire. With the capture of Constantinople, the road to Europe was opened for the Turks.

Arab Caliphate (632-1258)

As a result of Muslim conquests in the 7th-9th centuries, the theocratic Islamic state of the Arab Caliphate arose in the entire Middle East region, as well as in certain regions of Transcaucasia, Central Asia, North Africa and Spain. The period of the Caliphate went down in history as the “Golden Age of Islam”, as the time of the highest flowering of Islamic science and culture.
One of the caliphs of the Arab state, Umar I, purposefully secured the character of a militant church for the Caliphate, encouraging religious zeal in his subordinates and prohibiting them from owning land property in the conquered countries. Umar motivated this by the fact that “the interests of the landowner attract him more to peaceful activities than to war.”

In 1036, the invasion of the Seljuk Turks was disastrous for the Caliphate, but the defeat of the Islamic state was completed by the Mongols.

Caliph An-Nasir, wanting to expand his possessions, turned to Genghis Khan for help, and unknowingly opened the way for the destruction of the Muslim East by the Mongol horde of thousands.

Mongol Empire (1206-1368)

The Mongol Empire is the largest state formation in history by territory.

During the period of its power - by the end of the 13th century, the empire extended from the Sea of Japan to the banks of the Danube. The total area of the Mongols' possessions reached 38 million square meters. km.

Given the enormous size of the empire, managing it from the capital, Karakorum, was almost impossible. It is no coincidence that after the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, the process of gradual division of the conquered territories into separate uluses began, the most significant of which became the Golden Horde.

The economic policy of the Mongols in the occupied lands was primitive: its essence boiled down to the imposition of tribute on the conquered peoples. Everything collected went to support the needs of a huge army, according to some sources, reaching half a million people. The Mongol cavalry was the most deadly weapon of the Genghisids, which not many armies could resist.
Inter-dynastic strife destroyed the empire - it was they who stopped the expansion of the Mongols to the West. This was soon followed by the loss of the conquered territories and the capture of Karakorum by Ming dynasty troops.

Holy Roman Empire (962-1806)

The Holy Roman Empire is an interstate entity that existed in Europe from 962 to 1806. The core of the empire was Germany, which was joined by the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, as well as some regions of France during the period of the highest prosperity of the state.
For almost the entire period of the empire's existence, its structure had the character of a theocratic feudal state, in which the emperors claimed supreme power in the Christian world. However, the struggle with the papal throne and the desire to possess Italy significantly weakened the central power of the empire.
In the 17th century, Austria and Prussia moved to leading positions in the Holy Roman Empire. But very soon the antagonism of two influential members of the empire, which resulted in a policy of conquest, threatened the integrity of their common home. The end of the empire in 1806 was marked by the strengthening France led by Napoleon.

Ottoman Empire (1299-1922)

In 1299, Osman I created a Turkic state in the Middle East, which was destined to exist for more than 600 years and radically influence the fate of the countries of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the date when the Ottoman Empire finally gained a foothold in Europe.

The period of the greatest power of the Ottoman Empire occurred in the 16th-17th centuries, but the state achieved its greatest conquests under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

The borders of the empire of Suleiman I extended from Eritrea in the south to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the north, from Algeria in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east.

The period from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century was marked by bloody military conflicts between the Ottoman Empire and Russia. Territorial disputes between the two states mainly revolved around Crimea and Transcaucasia. They were put to an end by the First World War, as a result of which the Ottoman Empire, divided between the Entente countries, ceased to exist.

British Empire (1497¬-1949)

The British Empire is the largest colonial power in terms of both territory and population.

The empire reached its greatest scale by the 30s of the 20th century: the land area of the United Kingdom, including its colonies, totaled 34 million 650 thousand square meters. km., which accounted for approximately 22% of the earth's land. The total population of the empire reached 480 million people - every fourth inhabitant of the Earth was a subject of the British Crown.

The success of British colonial policy was facilitated by many factors: a strong army and navy, developed industry, and the art of diplomacy. The expansion of the empire significantly influenced global geopolitics. First of all, this is the spread of British technology, trade, language, and forms of government throughout the world.
The decolonization of Britain occurred after the end of the Second World War. Although the country was among the victorious states, it found itself on the verge of bankruptcy. It was only thanks to an American loan of $3.5 billion that Great Britain was able to overcome the crisis, but at the same time lost world dominance and all its colonies.

In terms of area, the Russian Empire was second only to the Mongol and British empires - 21,799,825 square meters. km, and was the second (after British) in terms of population - about 178 million people.

Constant expansion of territory is a characteristic feature of the Russian Empire. But if the advance to the east was mostly peaceful, then in the west and south Russia had to prove its territorial claims through numerous wars - with Sweden, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and the British Empire.

The growth of the Russian Empire has always been viewed with particular caution by the West. The negative perception of Russia was facilitated by the appearance of the so-called “Testament of Peter the Great,” a document fabricated in 1812 by French political circles. “The Russian state must establish power over all of Europe” is one of the key phrases of the Testament, which will haunt the minds of Europeans for a long time.

Seizing power must be the dream of at least half of aspiring supervillains. However, some more benevolent (which is doubtful) people try to do this the old-fashioned way: exploration, colonization, conquest, and sometimes (okay - occasionally) even mutually beneficial policies.

Although no one had yet been able to openly seize power (shadow communities don't count), the age of empires was certainly not boring, and impressive progress was made as recently as the late 1900s.

Let's start all the way from 500 BC and go through it chronologically to the present. Here are 25 of the greatest and most powerful empires in human history!

25. Achaemenid Power - around 500 BC.

As the 18th largest empire in history, the Achaemenid Power (also called the first Persian Empire) is already impressive. At the peak of its rise around 550 BC. they occupied an area of 31.6 million km², including the vast majority of the countries of the Middle East and regions of Russia.

Even more impressively, under Cyrus II the Great, the empire had a comprehensive social infrastructure, including roads and a postal service, that other empires would later strive to surpass.

24. Macedonian Empire - around 323 BC

Under Alexander the Great, the Macedonian Empire destroyed the Achaemenid Empire and built the final Hellenistic state, giving rise to ancient Greek civilization, the philosophical contributions of Aristotle, and probably orgies.

At its peak, the Macedonian Empire occupied almost 3.5% of the entire world, making it the 21st largest empire in history (and second largest after the Persian conquest).

23. Mauryan Empire - around 250 BC

After the death of Alexander the Great, all of India and much of the surrounding territory was conquered by the Mauryan Empire, resulting in the first (and largest) Indian Empire.

At its height, under a benevolent and diplomatic ruler known as Ashok the Great, the Mauryan Empire covered an area of almost 5 million km², making it the 23rd largest empire in history.

22. Xiongnu Empire - around 209 BC

During the period IV-III centuries. BC, what eventually became China consisted of several warring states. As a result, the nomadic Xiongnu armies launched raids into the northern territories.

At its height, the Xiongnu Empire occupied more than 6% of the entire world's territory, becoming the 10th largest empire in human history.

They were so irresistible that it took years of negotiations, arranged marriages, and concessions by the Han Dynasty to keep them from being conquered.

21. Western Han Dynasty - around 50 BC

Speaking of the Han dynasties, the Western Han dynasty reached its peak about a century later. Although they never reached the level of development of the Xiongnu Empire, they still managed to occupy an area of 6 million km² with over 57 million people, becoming the 17th largest empire in human history. To achieve this, they successfully pushed the Xiongnu north while aggressively expanding south into what is now Vietnam and the Korean Peninsula.

The Western Han Dynasty included the major diplomatic achievements of Zhang Qian, who established contacts with states as far west as the Roman Empire and established the famous Silk Road trade route.

20. Eastern Han Dynasty - around 100 AD

During its nearly 200-year existence, the Eastern Han dynasty experienced a succession of different rulers, revolts, instability, and economic crisis. Despite these factors, the Eastern Han Dynasty was the 12th largest empire in history. It was larger in area than its pre-Christian counterpart, covering almost 500 km² more - a total of 4.36% of the entire world.

19. Roman Empire - around 117 AD

Due to the huge number of references that the Roman Empire receives, the average person mistakenly considers it the largest in history.

Indeed, at its peak in 117 AD. it was the most extensive and social structure in Western civilization, but even then the Romans occupied a total of only 5 million km² of land, making them the 24th largest empire in history.

In this case, it is not a question of quantity, but of quality, since the influence of the Roman Empire affected almost every aspect of Western civilization.

18. Turkic Khaganate - around 557 AD

The Turkic Khaganate consisted of what is now north-central China. The rulers of the Khaganate were descended from the Ashina clan, another nomadic tribe of unknown origin from northern Inner Asia.

Like the Xiongnu almost six centuries earlier, they expanded to rule vast areas of Central Asia, including the lucrative trade along the Silk Road.

By 557 AD they became the 15th largest empire in history, controlling 4.03% of the entire world's territory (much more than the Roman Empire's 3.36%).

17. Righteous Caliphate - around 655 AD

The Righteous Caliphate was the first Islamic caliphate in the earliest period of Islam. It was founded immediately after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD to manage the affairs of the Islamic community.

Having subjugated or allied with various Arab tribes, the caliphate embarked on a conquest that led to the dominance of Egypt, Syria, and the entire Persian Empire. At its best period in 655 AD. The Righteous Caliphate was the 14th largest empire, covering 6.4 million km² of territory in the Middle East.

16. Umayyad Caliphate - around 720 AD

The second of the four major caliphates after the death of Muhammad, the Umayyad Caliphate arose after the first Muslim Civil War in 661 CE. In addition to dominating the entire Middle East, the Umayyad Caliphate continued to expand towards North Africa and parts of Southern Europe.

With a complex social structure consisting of 29% of the world's total population (62 million people) and 7.45% of the world's total land area, the Umayyad Caliphate became the 8th largest empire in modern history and the largest empire in the world that only existed until 720 year AD

15. Abbasid Caliphate - around 750 AD

30 years after the heyday of the Umayyad Caliphate, as a result of the uprising and disobedience of the descendants of Muhammad's youngest uncle to the Umayyads, the Abassid Caliphate came to power.

They claimed that their lineage was closer to the Prophet Muhammad, so they were his true heirs. After successfully seizing power in 750 AD. they began a "golden era" that lasted almost 400 years and included a strong alliance with China.

Although their empire was no larger than the Umayyad Caliphate, it lasted for a long period, successfully controlling 11.1 million km², making them the 7th largest empire in human history until its capture by Genghis Khan in 1206.

14. Tibetan Empire - around 800 AD

The Tibetan Empire occupied more than 3% of the entire world's territory by 800. At the same time, a comparatively gigantic and prosperous Arab Empire flourished from the West. On the other hand, the Tang Dynasty, having become a stable and united force that established diplomatic relations with the Arabs, made the Tibetan Empire one of the first in history to be between two strong states.

Thanks to diplomacy and impressive military power, the Tibetan Empire lasted for more than 200 years. Ironically, the growing influence of Buddhist teachings ultimately triggered a civil war that split the empire.

13. Tang Dynasty - around 820 AD

The Tang Dynasty ushered in what is considered a golden period of multicultural culture in Chinese civilization. Two of China's most famous poets, Li Bai and Du Fu, belonged to this period, and the invention of woodblock printing contributed to the development of artistic culture among the growing population of China and throughout Asia.

While less significant than other Chinese dynasties from a historical perspective, the Tang Dynasty lasted for almost three centuries (618 to 907 AD), inhabiting 3.6% of the total world area and ranking as the 20th largest empire in the world. history of mankind.

12. Mongol Empire - around 1270

Although many people know about it, few people really understand how huge Genghis Khan's empire really was. At its best, the Mongol Empire controlled a whopping 24 million square kilometers of territory.

For comparison, this is more than 4 times the size of the Roman Empire and just under 3 times the size of the modern United States, making the Mongol Empire the 2nd largest empire in human history.

11. Golden Horde - around 1310

Genghis Khan was not stupid, and knew that without his leadership the empire was unlikely to be able to maintain its size. Thus, he divided the empire into regions, giving control of each to each of his sons to preserve his legacy.

Due to the sheer size and power of the original empire, even its individual domains were impressively powerful. In the next generation after the Mongol Empire reached its peak, it became an independent entity.

Even on its own, by 1310 it was the 16th largest empire in history and controlled a still impressive 4.03% of the world (about a quarter of the Mongol Empire's land).

10. Yuan Dynasty - around 1310

From the northern Chinese territories, previously controlled by the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan's grandson led his troops to conquer the rest of China and found the Yuan Dynasty.

By 1310, it had become the largest fragment of the previous Mongol Empire and the 9th largest empire in human history, with 11 million km² of land in its possession. Unfortunately, uprisings in the mid-14th century led to the final overthrow of the Yuan in 1368, making the dynasty the shortest-lived in Chinese history.

9. Ming Dynasty (Great Ming Empire) - around 1450

The Ming Dynasty was formed after the fall of the Yuan Dynasty. Unable to expand north due to the presence of the powerful Mongols, the Ming Dynasty still occupied a respectable 4.36% of the world's land area and is the 13th largest empire in history.

It is perhaps best known for building China's first navy, which enabled maritime expeditions and stimulated successful regional maritime trade.

8. Ottoman Empire - circa 1683

When Istanbul was Constantinople, it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire (also called the Turkish Empire). Although historically it was quite small (5.2 million km², making it the 22nd largest empire in existence), it was otherwise successful and long-lived.

Beginning just before 1300, the Ottoman Empire was able to secure its place between the eastern and western worlds for more than six centuries. After defeat in World War I, the empire was destroyed, resulting in the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1922.

7. Qing Dynasty - circa 1790

The Qing Dynasty became the last imperial dynasty of China. This huge empire became the 4th largest empire in the entire history of mankind and occupied almost 10% of the entire globe, including the territory of Korea and Taiwan, with a population of more than 400 million people.

Almost three centuries passed before local uprisings forced the last emperor to abdicate, forming the Republic of China in 1912.

6. Spanish Empire - circa 1810

Not wanting to be outdone by the last Chinese dynasty, the Spanish Empire was formed in 1492 and became only the second global empire in world history. With an area of 15.3 million km² of land under its control, it was the 5th largest in history.

Through numerous maritime conquests, they controlled a huge percentage of territory in both North and South America, as well as virtually all of the Caribbean, parts of Africa, Europe, the South Pacific, and even some cities along the coast of the Middle East.

5. Portuguese Colonial Empire - circa 1820

Also known as the Portuguese Overseas Territories, the Portuguese Colonial Empire became the first global empire in history.

However, it never achieved the same massive dominance as the Spanish Empire. With 3.69% of the Earth's territory under its control, it is the 19th largest empire in history.

However, it is the longest-lived modern European colonial empire, lasting six centuries and just shy of the new millennium (the Portuguese Empire officially ceased to exist on December 20, 1999).

4. Brazilian Empire - circa 1889

Originally part of the Portuguese Empire, the Brazilian Empire declared its independence in 1822. After several years of instability, a period of calm emerged in 1843, which allowed the Brazilian Empire to gain stability until conflicts arose with Great Britain and Uruguay.

After successfully resolving these conflicts, the Brazilian Empire began its "golden age" and quickly became known throughout the world as a progressive and modern nation.

By the 1880s, the empire represented most of South America, covering an area of 8.5 million km², making it the 11th largest empire in human history.

3. Russian Empire - circa 1895

The Russian Empire was a powerful state that existed (officially) from 1721 until its overthrow in 1917 by revolution. The empire expanded from the beginning, transforming Russia from a primarily agricultural state into a more modern one.

At its height in 1895, the population of the Russian Empire grew from 15.5 million to 170 million people living in an area of almost 23.3 million km². With the addition of the Baltic states, Poland, Finland and more significant Asian territories to its territory, the Russian Empire became the 3rd largest in the history of mankind.

2. Second French Colonial Empire - circa 1920

Competing with Spain, Portugal, the United Provinces and (later) Britain, the Second French Colonial Empire began in 1830 with the conquest of Algeria. They colonized a large percentage of Africa and took over the Middle East, Southeast Asia, New Caledonia and a tiny part of South America.

This made the empire at its height the 6th largest in history, as its population accounted for 5% of the entire world population, and it lived on 7.7% of the Earth's territory.

1. British Empire - circa 1920

This may or may not come as a shock to you, but in the competition to conquer the world, no empire has been more dominant than the British. Covering an area of 35.5 million km², the British Empire was easily the largest in human history (30% larger than the Mongol Empire).

For more than a century, Britain was the world's premier superpower and controlled 23% of the world's population. As a result of massive expansion throughout the world, their cultural and linguistic heritage can be found in almost every advanced culture on Earth.

Most consider the official handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997 to be the official end of the British Empire. Although if you look at the world stage, the UK still controls the largest part of the world... they just do it very smartly and more progressively. Perhaps this is world domination... just done well.

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The continuous struggle for territorial dominance, possession of resources and endless wars are the basis of human history. Seizing the lands of nearby peoples and entire countries, huge empires appeared in different parts.

But great empires, which liked to call themselves “Eternals,” appeared on the world map and safely disappeared from it after different times. However, some of the huge empires left behind traces that are felt in politics and the lives of ordinary people to this day.

The greatest empires in human history

Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire, 550 – 330 BC)

In 330 BC. e. The weakening Persian Empire fell under the onslaught of the troops of Alexander the Great.

Roman Empire (27 BC – 476)

The uniqueness of Ancient Rome is that it was the only state whose possessions included the entire Mediterranean coast.

Byzantine Empire (395 – 1453)

Arab Caliphate (632-1258)

As a result of Muslim conquests in the 7th–9th centuries, the theocratic Islamic state of the Arab Caliphate arose in the entire Middle Eastern region, as well as in certain regions of Transcaucasia, Central Asia, North Africa and Spain. The period of the Caliphate went down in history as the “Golden Age of Islam”, as the time of the highest flowering of Islamic science and culture.

One of the caliphs of the Arab state, Umar I, purposefully secured the character of a militant church for the Caliphate, encouraging religious zeal in his subordinates and prohibiting them from owning land property in the conquered countries. Umar motivated this by the fact that “the interests of the landowner attract him more to peaceful activities than to war.”

In 1036, the invasion of the Seljuk Turks was disastrous for the Caliphate, but the defeat of the Islamic state was completed by the Mongols.

Caliph An-Nasir, wanting to expand his possessions, turned to Genghis Khan for help, and unknowingly opened the way for the destruction of the Muslim East by the Mongol horde of thousands.

Holy Roman Empire (962-1806)

For almost the entire period of the empire's existence, its structure had the character of a theocratic feudal state, in which the emperors claimed supreme power in the Christian world. However, the struggle with the papal throne and the desire to possess Italy significantly weakened the central power of the empire.

In the 17th century, Austria and Prussia moved to leading positions in the Holy Roman Empire. But very soon the antagonism of two influential members of the empire, which resulted in a policy of conquest, threatened the integrity of their common home. The end of the empire in 1806 was marked by the strengthening France led by Napoleon.

Ottoman Empire (1299–1922)

The period of the greatest power of the Ottoman Empire occurred in the 16th-17th centuries, but the state achieved its greatest conquests under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

The borders of the empire of Suleiman I extended from Eritrea in the south to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the north, from Algeria in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east.

The period from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century was marked by bloody military conflicts between the Ottoman Empire and Russia. Territorial disputes between the two states mainly revolved around Crimea and Transcaucasia. They were brought to an end by the First World War, as a result of which the Ottoman Empire, divided between the Entente countries, ceased to exist.

Russian Empire (1721–1917, until 1991 - in the form of the USSR, and to this day in the form of the Russian Federation)

The history of the Russian Empire dates back to October 22, 1721, after Peter I accepted the title of All-Russian Emperor. From that time until 1905, the monarch who became the head of the state was endowed with absolute power.

Mongol Empire (1206–1368)

The Mongol Empire is the largest state formation in history by territory.

During the period of its power, towards the end of the 13th century, the empire extended from the Sea of Japan to the banks of the Danube. The total area of the Mongols' possessions reached 38 million square meters. km.

Inter-dynastic strife destroyed the empire - it was they who stopped the expansion of the Mongols to the West. This was soon followed by the loss of the conquered territories and the capture of Karakorum by Ming dynasty troops.

British Empire (1497–1949)

The British Empire is the largest colonial power both in terms of territory and population.

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