Taking over the world is the dream of at least half of the villains from comics and superhero blockbusters. Some less bloodthirsty individuals (a controversial claim, of course) go about capturing new lands the old-fashioned way: send out dreamers or adventurers to scout and then take territory from others. However, sometimes (well, what is really here - extremely rarely) the conquerors offer mutually beneficial cooperation and peaceful coexistence. In the modern world, no one has taken the liberty of leading a new empire (underground and criminal grounds do not count), but even in the middle of the twentieth century, no one thought that the Age of Empires had come to an end. Let's start from 500 BC and follow the milestones in the history of the 25 most grandiose empires of our planet. To simplify understanding, the selected dates indicate the peak of the development of the state. 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 Empire (or the Persian Empire at number one) is already impressive. At the zenith of power, in 550 BC, the Achaemenid territory reaches 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 modern Russia. No less surprising is the fact that under Cyrus the Great, architecture and culture developed rapidly in the empire, roads and post offices were built everywhere. Progress is commendable. And every self-respecting ruler did the same.
Empire of Alexander the Great - 323 BC
Great ConquestGreat 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 powerful Hellenistic alliance, glorifying the ancient Greek civilization for centuries, along with Aristotle and mass orgies. At the zenith of power, the Macedonian Empire spread over 3.5% of the land, making it the 21st largest in human history (the defeated Persians still surpassed Alexander, but this did not help them much).
Mauryan Empire - 250 BC
Don't you want Indian imperialism?
The death of Alexander the Great came as a complete surprise to his associates, who were mired in a squabble over pieces of the empire. At this time, distant lands were left to themselves, 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 control 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 in vain
During the IV and III centuries BC. China was divided into several small specific principalities, constantly at war with each other. Of course, the wars among the settled peoples attracted the steppes like kites. The nomadic tribes of the Xiongnu easily carried out raids on the provinces weakened by feudal fragmentation in the north. During the era of greatest power, the Xiongnu empire occupied 6% of the land area 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 of the Han Dynasty, one should not forget about its Western part, which reached its peak of power a century after the Eastern. Of course, its territories are incomparable with the conquests of the Xiongnu, but the area of 3.8 million square kilometers with a population of 57 million people makes one imbued with respect and put the Western Han on the 17th line of the hit parade of empires. In their desire to expand their borders, the Han pushed the Xiongnu northward and captured the territories of modern Vietnam and Korea. Thanks to the diplomatic talent of the diplomat and traveler Zhang Qian, the contacts of the dynasty were expanded to Rome, and the Great Silk Road was also opened.
Eastern Han Dynasty - 100 years
The younger brother of the Han clan
The Eastern Han Dynasty lasted nearly two centuries, through riots, conspiracies, political crisis, and a faltering economy. Despite its apparent weakness, this empire was the 12th largest in history, leapfrogging its predecessor. The dynastic territories covered 4.2 million square kilometers (4.4% of the land area).
Roman Empire - 117
Ave Caesar and other imperial ways - it all came from Rome
Due to its wide popularity, the Roman Empire is considered almost the coolest in the world (thanks to American cinema and the chroniclers of the Caesars) - legions of soldiers, the Roman Senate, an almost modern standard of living and other wonders of the Dream Factory. Certainly, at the height of its power, Rome presided over the most extensive and sophisticated politico-social structure in Western civilization. The total area of land subject to the senate and the emperor did not exceed 2.6 million square kilometers, putting the birthplace of Gaius Julius Caesar only in 24th place in the list of largest empires. Anyway, modern world would not be himself if not for the ancient Roman state.
Turkic Khaganate - 557
An empire that came from nowhere
The Turkic Khaganate occupied the territories in which central and northern China is now located. The history of the emergence 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. This puts them in 15th place in the list of the largest empires.
One of the biggest: 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 the disparate Muslim communities. Very little time separated the Caliphate from power over Egypt, Syria and the territory of the former Persian Empire. During its greatest power, the area of this state was almost 4 million square kilometers, making it the 14th largest in the 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 formations in the Arab world. He grew up during a civil war among Muslim currents 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 inhabited by 29% of the inhabitants of the planet (62 million people) and the area was 7.45% of the total planetary area, making the Umayyad Caliphate the eighth largest empire in history.
Abbasid Caliphate - 750
Empire created by the descendants of the prophet
The age of Umayyad power turned out to be short-lived: the caliphate lasted 30 years, and then was captured by the Abbasids, who were led to the rebellion by the descendants of the younger uncle of the prophet Muhammad (as they themselves stated, of course). According to the Abbasids, their "purer" lineage 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, but under the control of the descendants of Muhammad was about 8 million square kilometers of land, which puts their possessions on the seventh step in the list of the greatest empires. However, the 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 the main weapon of Tibet
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 that in the West, gigantic states of Muslims were born and died in full swing, and in the East, the Tang dynasty, which was in a monolithic alliance with the Arabs, was in full swing. It can be said that Tibet of 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. Ironically, it was the growing influence of Buddhism and civil war that killed her, not external enemies.
Tang Dynasty - 820
The period that became the dawn of Chinese culture and art
The Tang Dynasty was the first state formation in China to choose cosmopolitanism and the exchange of cultural experience with other powers. During the Tang Golden Age, the invention printing press, engravings, the flowering of painting and literature. Two poets, Li Bai and Du Fu, who are considered among the greatest in Chinese history, lived during the reign of 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 territory of the dynasty consisted of 3.6% of the total land area.
Mongol Empire - 1270
One of the most big 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 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 Russia
Genghis Khan was far from being a fool and clearly understood that his power rested on the authority of the leader. To ensure the stability and prosperity of the empire, he divided the subject territories among his many children, thus ensuring the law of succession to the throne and the division of power. Thus, even separate parts of the khanate were the most powerful state formations. The most striking and powerful "offshoot" of the Mongol Empire was the Golden Horde, which occupied 4.03% of the world's land.
Yuan Dynasty - 1310
An empire that has sunk into oblivion before reaching maturity
Thanks to the military talents of one of the many grandsons of Genghis Khan, 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 State had become the largest independent part of the Mongol Empire, with 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: the riots that flared up throughout the 14th century led to the overthrow of the authorities as early as 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, Ming still owned 4.36% of the land area and ranked 13th in the list of major powers. This period also became famous for the construction of the largest Chinese (and world) fleet and the rapid development of maritime trade with almost the whole 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 East from the 13th century until it fell during the First World War, giving way to the Republic of Turkey in 1922.
Qing Dynasty - 1790
The last breaths of the empire before the red era
Qing, the last imperial dynasty of China, left an impressive memory of itself: 10% of the planet 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. It was these events that allowed the birth of the only country in the world that successfully combined socialist rule with a capitalist economy - the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Spanish Empire - 1810
Temporary Queen of the Seas
Spain, for a long time remained in the shadow of European powers, by the end of the 18th century it owned vast territories throughout the Earth. Thanks to the most powerful fleet (the long-time invincible Spanish Armada), Madrid controlled most of the islands of the Caribbean, almost all of South America, part of Central and North America, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and even Europe.
Portuguese Empire - 1820
European old man-long-liver among maritime powers
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-lived in Europe: for six centuries it claimed its rights to lands outside the territorial boundaries of the state and ceased to exist only on December 20, 1999.
Brazilian Empire - 1889
Gray horse among world powers
Born as part of the empire of the colonies of Portugal, the Brazilian state began its journey in 1822, 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
Russian empire became a colossal state that officially existed from 1721 to 1917. Born as an agricultural country with ancient history and culture, by the 19th century Russia had become a powerful power, standing on a par with the most developed countries of that time, raising the population level from 15.5 to 171 million people (in 1895). Under the rule of the Russian emperor were not only the original Russian lands, 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 the rulers of the planet
To compete with Spain, Britain, Portugal, the United Provinces, France had to go a long way in the colonization of overseas lands. The first step towards this was the conquest of Algiers in 1830. By the 20s of the XX century, France owned lands in Africa, South-East Asia, South America and the Middle East. Under the rule of the French were 7.7% of the world's territory and 5% of the world's population.
British Empire - 1920
The greatest power of all times and peoples
This may be obvious, but it is no less surprising: the British Empire was the most powerful and largest empire in the entire existence of man on planet Earth. The total area of land subject to the English crown was 26 million square kilometers (which is more than 30% more than the area of the Mongol Empire). The British ruled over a quarter of the world's population. The result of such a global expansion was the penetration of English language and cultures in everything, even the most remote corners of the world.
Most people consider the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997 as the end of British imperialism. However, if you look at the world map with an open mind, then 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 mankind, did not stand out in size. About them, ancient civilizations, as a source of wisdom and progress, should be discussed separately.
At the time of the highest prosperity of the Roman Empire, its dominion extended over vast territories - their total area was about 2.51 million square kilometers. However, in the list of the largest empires in history, the Roman one occupies only the nineteenth place.
What do you think, which one is the first one?
Mongolian
Russian
Spanish
british
Qing Empire
Turkic Khaganate
Japanese empire
Arab Caliphate
Macedonian Empire
Now we will find out the correct answer ...-
Millennia of human existence passed under the sign of wars and expansions. Great states arose, grew and collapsed, which changed (and some continue to change) the face of the modern world.
Empire - the most powerful type of state, where under the rule of a single monarch (emperor) united various countries and peoples. Let's take a look at the ten biggest empires that have ever appeared on the world stage. Oddly enough, but in our list you will not find either the Roman, or the Ottoman, or even the empire of Alexander the Great - history has seen more.
10. Arab Caliphate
Population: -
State area: - 6.7
Capital: 630-656 Medina / 656 - 661 Mecca / 661 - 754 Damascus / 754 - 762 Al-Kufa / 762 - 836 Baghdad / 836 - 892 Samarra / 892 - 1258 Baghdad
Beginning of domination: 632 g
Fall of the empire: 1258
The existence of this empire marked the so-called. The "golden era of Islam" - the period from the 7th to the 13th century AD. e. The caliphate was founded immediately after the death of the founder of the Muslim faith, Muhammad, in 632, and the Medina community founded by the prophet became its core. Centuries of Arab conquests increased the area of the empire to 13 million square meters. km, covering territories in all three parts of the Old World. By the middle of the 13th century, the Caliphate, torn apart by internal conflicts, was so weakened that it was easily captured first by the Mongols and then by the Ottomans, the founders of another great Persian empire.
9. Japanese Empire
Population: 97,770,000
State area: 7.4 million km2
Capital: Tokyo
Beginning of reign: 1868
Fall of an empire: 1947
Japan is the only empire on the modern political map. Now this status is rather formal, but 70 years ago it was Tokyo that was the main center of imperialism in Asia. Japan - an ally of the Third Reich and fascist Italy - then tried to establish control over the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, sharing a vast front with the Americans. At this time, the peak of the territorial scope of the empire, which controlled almost the entire maritime space and 7.4 million square meters, fell. km of land from Sakhalin to New Guinea.
8. Portuguese Empire
Population: 50 million (480 BC) / 35 million (330 BC)
State area: - 10.4 million km2
Capital: Coimbra, Lisbon
Fall of the Empire: October 5, 1910
Since the 16th century, the Portuguese have been looking for ways to break through the Spanish isolation in the Iberian Peninsula. In 1497, they opened a sea route to India, which marked the beginning of the growth of the Portuguese colonial empire. Three years earlier, the Tordesillas Treaty was concluded between the "sworn neighbors", which actually divided the world known at that time between the two countries, on unfavorable last conditions for the Portuguese. But this did not stop them from collecting more than 10 million square meters. km of land, most of which was occupied by Brazil. The handover of Macau to the Chinese in 1999 ended Portugal's colonial history.
7. Turkic Khaganate
Area - 13 million km2
one of the largest ancient states in the history of mankind in Asia, created by a tribal union of the Turks (Turkuts) headed by rulers from the Ashina clan. During the period of greatest expansion (the end of the 6th century), it controlled the territories of China (Manchuria), Mongolia, Altai, East Turkestan, West Turkestan (Central Asia), Kazakhstan and the North Caucasus. In addition, Sasanian Iran, the Chinese states of Northern Zhou, Northern Qi were tributaries of the Kaganate since 576, and from the same year the Turkic Kaganate seized the North Caucasus and Crimea from Byzantium.
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6. French Empire
Population: -
State area: 13.5 million square meters km
Capital: Paris
Beginning of reign: 1546
Fall of an empire: 1940
France became the third European power (after Spain and Portugal) to become interested in overseas territories. Starting from 1546 - the time of the founding of New France (now Quebec, Canada) - the formation of Francophonie in the world begins. Having lost the American opposition to the Anglo-Saxons, and also inspired by the conquests of Napoleon, the French occupied almost all of West Africa. In the middle of the twentieth century, the area of the empire reached 13.5 million square meters. km, more than 110 million people lived in it. By 1962, most of the French colonies had become independent states.
Chinese Empire
5. Chinese Empire (Qing Empire)
Population: 383,100,000
State area: 14.7 million km2
Capital: Mukden (1636–1644), Beijing (1644–1912)
Beginning of reign: 1616
Fall of the empire: 1912
The most ancient empire of Asia, the cradle of oriental culture. The first Chinese dynasties ruled from the 2nd millennium BC. e., but a single empire was created only in 221 BC. e. During the reign of Qing - the last monarchical dynasty of the Middle Kingdom - the empire occupied a record area of 14.7 million square meters. km. This is 1.5 times more than that of the modern Chinese state, mainly due to Mongolia, now independent. In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out, putting an end to the monarchy in China, turning the empire into a republic.
4. Spanish Empire
Population: 60 million
State area: 20,000,000 km2
Capital: Toledo (1492-1561) / Madrid (1561-1601) / Valladolid (1601-1606) / Madrid (1606-1898)
Fall of the empire: 1898
The period of Spain's world domination began with the voyages of Columbus, who opened up new horizons for Catholic missionary work and territorial expansion. In the 16th century, almost the entire Western Hemisphere was "at the feet" of the Spanish king with his "invincible armada". It was at this time that Spain was called “the country where the sun never sets”, because its possessions covered the seventh part of the land (about 20 million sq. Km) and almost half of the sea routes in all corners of the planet. The greatest empires of the Incas and Aztecs fell to the conquistadors, and in their place a predominantly Hispanic Latin America was formed.
3. Russian Empire
Population: 60 million
Population: 181.5 million (1916)
State area: 23,700,000 km2
Capital: St. Petersburg, Moscow
Fall of the empire: 1917
The largest continental monarchy in human history. Its roots reach the times of the Moscow principality, then the kingdom. In 1721, Peter I proclaimed the imperial status of Russia, which owned vast territories from Finland to Chukotka. At the end of the 19th century, the state reached its geographical apogee: 24.5 million square meters. km, about 130 million inhabitants, over 100 ethnic groups and nationalities. At one time, Russian possessions were the lands of Alaska (until it was sold by the Americans in 1867), as well as part of California.
2. Mongol Empire
Population: more than 110,000,000 people (1279)
State area: 38,000,000 km2 (1279)
Capital: Karakorum, Khanbalik
Beginning of reign: 1206
Fall of the empire: 1368
The greatest empire of all times and peoples, whose meaning of existence was one - war. The great Mongolian state was formed in 1206 under the leadership of Genghis Khan, having grown over several decades to 38 million square meters. km, from Baltic Sea to Vietnam, and at the same time killing every tenth inhabitant of the Earth. By the end of the 13th century, its uluses covered a quarter of the land and a third of the world's population, which then numbered almost half a billion people. The ethno-political framework of modern Eurasia was formed on the fragments of the empire.
1. British Empire
Population: 458,000,000 (approximately 24% of the world's population in 1922)
State area: 42.75 km2 (1922)
Capital London
Beginning of reign: 1497
Empire Fall: 1949 (1997)
The British Empire is the largest ever existing state in the history of mankind with colonies on all inhabited continents.
For 400 years of its formation, it has withstood the competition for world domination with other "colonial titans": France, Holland, Spain, Portugal. During its heyday, London controlled a quarter of the world's land (over 34 million square kilometers) on all inhabited continents, as well as vast expanses of the ocean. Formally, it still exists in the form of the Commonwealth, while countries such as Canada and Australia actually remain subject to the British crown.
The international status of the English language is the main legacy of Pax Britannica. and
Incredible Facts
Throughout the history of mankind, we have seen how empires are born and go into oblivion, over decades, centuries and even millennia. If it is true that history repeats itself, then perhaps we can learn from the mistakes and better understand the accomplishments of the world's most enduring empires.
Empire is a difficult word to define. Although this term is very often thrown around, it is nevertheless often used in the wrong context and distorts the political location of the country. The simplest definition describes a political unit that exercises control over another political body. Basically, these are countries or groups of people that control the political decisions of a less powerful unit.
The term "hegemony" is often used along with empire, but they have significant differences, as well as the obvious differences between the concepts of "leader" and "hooligan". The hegemony works as an agreed set of international rules, while the empire produces and implements those same rules. Hegemony is the dominance of one group over other groups, however, requiring the consent of the majority in order for that ruling group to remain in power.
Which empires have lasted the longest in history, and what can we learn from them? Below, we look at these kingdoms of the past, how they formed, and the factors that ultimately led to their downfall.
10. Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire is remembered for having one of the strongest navies the world has ever seen. A lesser known fact is that until 1999 she did not “leave” the face of the earth. The kingdom lasted for 584 years. It was the first global empire in history, operating across four continents, and began in 1415 when the Portuguese captured the North African Muslim city of Cueta. Expansion continued as they moved into Africa, India, Asia and America.
After World War II, decolonization efforts intensified in many areas, with many European countries "withdrawing" from their colonies around the world. It wasn't until 1999 that this happened to Portugal, when it finally gave up Macau in China, signaling the "end" of the empire.
The Portuguese empire was able to expand so much because of its excellent weapons, naval superiority, and the ability to quickly build ports for the trade in sugar, slaves and gold. She also had enough strength to conquer new nations and gain lands. But, as is the case with most empires throughout history, conquered areas eventually sought to reclaim their lands.
The Portuguese empire collapsed for several reasons, including international pressure and economic tensions.
9. Ottoman Empire
At the height of its power, the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents, encompassing a wide range of cultures, religions and languages. Despite these differences, the empire was able to flourish for 623 years, from 1299 to 1922.
The Ottoman Empire got its start as a small Turkish state after the weakened Byzantine Empire left the region. Osman I pushed the boundaries of his empire outward, relying on strong judicial, educational and military systems, as well as a unique method of transferring power. The empire continued to expand and eventually conquered Constantinople in 1453 and spread its influence deep into Europe and North Africa. The civil wars of the early 1900s immediately following World War I, as well as the Arab Revolt, signaled the beginning of the end. At the end of World War I, the Treaty of Sèvres divided much of the Ottoman Empire. The last point was Turkish war for independence, which resulted in the fall of Constantinople in 1922.
Inflation, competition and unemployment are cited as key factors in the demise of the Ottoman Empire. Each part of this massive empire was culturally and economically diverse, and their inhabitants ultimately wanted to break free.
8. Khmer Empire
Little is known about the Khmer Empire, however, its capital city of Angkor was said to be very impressive thanks in large part to Angkor Wat, one of the world's largest religious monuments built at the zenith of its power. The Khmer Empire began its existence in 802 AD, when Jayavarman II was proclaimed king of the region that currently belongs to the territory of Cambodia. 630 years later, in 1432, the empire came to an end.
Some of what we know about this empire comes from stone frescoes found in the region, and some information comes from the Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan, who traveled to Angkor in 1296 and published a book about his experiences. Almost all the time of the existence of the empire, it tried to capture more and more new territories. Angkor was the main home of the nobility in the second period of the empire. As Khmer power began to wane, neighboring civilizations began to fight for control of Angkor.
There are many theories as to why the empire collapsed. Some believe that the king converted to Buddhism, which led to the loss of workers, the degeneration of the water system, and, ultimately, very poor harvests. Others claim that the Thai kingdom of Sukhothai conquered Angkor in the 1400s. Another theory suggests that the last straw was the transfer of power to the city of Oudong (Oudong), while Angkor remained abandoned.
7. Ethiopian Empire
Considering the time of the Ethiopian Empire, we know surprisingly little about it. Ethiopia and Liberia were the only African countries that managed to resist the European "scramble for Africa". The long existence of the empire began in 1270, when the Solomonid dynasty overthrew the Zagwe dynasty, declaring that it was they who owned the rights to this land, as King Solomon had bequeathed. Since then, the dynasty has subsequently evolved into an empire by bringing together new civilizations under its dominion.
All this continued until 1895, when Italy declared war on the empire, and then the problems began. In 1935, Benito Mussolini ordered his soldiers to invade Ethiopia, resulting in the war raging there for seven months, with Italy declared the winner of the war. From 1936 to 1941, the Italians ruled the country.
The Ethiopian empire did not greatly expand its borders and did not exhaust its resources, as we saw in previous examples. Rather, Ethiopia's resources have become more powerful, in particular, we are talking about huge coffee plantations. Civil wars contributed to the weakening of the empire, however, at the head of everything, nevertheless, was the desire of Italy to expand, which led to the fall of Ethiopia.
6. Kanem Empire
We know very little about the Kanem empire and how its people lived, most of our knowledge comes from a text document discovered in 1851 called Girgam. Over time, their main religion became Islam, however, as expected, the introduction of religion could cause internal struggle in the early years of the empire. The Kanem Empire was established around the year 700 and lasted until 1376. It was located in what is now Chad, Libya and part of Nigeria.
According to the document found, the Zaghawa people founded their capital in 700 in the city of Nzhime (N "jimi). The history of the empire is divided between two dynasties - Duguwa and Sayfawa (was the driving force that brought Islam). Its expansion continues and during the period when the king declared holy war, or jihad, on all the surrounding tribes.
The military system designed to facilitate jihad was based on state principles of hereditary nobility, in which soldiers received part of the lands they conquered, while the lands were listed as theirs for many years to come, even their sons could dispose of them. Such a system led to the outbreak of civil war, which weakened the empire and made it vulnerable to attack from outside enemies. Bulala's invaders were able to quickly seize control of the capital and eventually take control of the empire in 1376.
The lesson of the Kanem empire shows how wrong decisions provoke internal conflict, as a result of which once powerful people become defenseless. This development is repeated throughout history.
5. Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was seen as the revival of the Western Roman Empire, and it was also seen as a political counterweight to the Roman Catholic Church. Its name, however, comes from the fact that the emperor was chosen by the electors, but he was crowned by the pope in Rome. The empire lasted from 962 to 1806 and occupied a fairly vast territory, which is now Central Europe, first of all, it is most of Germany.
The empire began when Otto I was proclaimed King of Germany, however, he later became known as the first Holy Roman Emperor. The empire consisted of 300 different territories, however, after the Thirty Years' War in 1648, it was fragmented, thus the seeds of independence were planted.
In 1792 there was an uprising in France. By 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte forced the last Holy Roman Emperor, Franz II, to abdicate, after which the empire was renamed the Confederation of the Rhine. Like the Ottoman and Portuguese empires, the Holy Roman Empire was made up of various ethnic groups and smaller kingdoms. Ultimately, these kingdoms' desire for independence led to the collapse of the empire.
4. Silla Empire
Little is known about the beginnings of the Silla empire, however, by the sixth century it was a very complex society based on descent, in which bloodline decided everything from the clothes that one or another person could wear to work activities which he is allowed to do. While this system helped the empire initially acquire large amounts of land, it was also what ultimately led to its decline.
The Silla Empire was born in 57 BC. and occupied the territory that currently belongs to the North and South Korea. Kin Park Hyokgeose was the first ruler of the empire. During his reign, the empire constantly expanded, conquering more and more kingdoms on the Korean peninsula. Eventually, a monarchy was formed. The Chinese Tang Dynasty and the Silla Empire were at war in the seventh century, however, the dynasty was defeated.
A century of civil war among high-ranking families, as well as among conquered kingdoms, made the empire doomed. Eventually, in 935 AD, the empire ceased to exist and became part of the new state of Goryeo, which was at war with in the 7th century. Historians are not aware of the exact circumstances that led to the demise of the Silla Empire, however, the general view is that neighboring countries were unhappy with the empire's continued expansion through the Korean Peninsula. Numerous theories agree that the lesser kingdoms struck in order to gain sovereignty.
3. Republic of Venice
The pride of the Venetian Republic was its massive navy, which allowed it to quickly prove its power throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, conquering such important historical cities as Cyprus and Crete. The Venetian Republic lasted an amazing 1100 years, from 697 to 1797. It all started when the Western Roman Empire fought Italy and when the Venetians declared Paolo Lucio Anafesto their duke. The empire went through several significant changes, however, it gradually expanded to become what is now known as the Venetian Republic, at odds with the Turks and the Ottoman Empire, among others.
A large number of wars significantly weakened the defensive forces of the empire. The city of Piedmont soon submitted to France, and Napoleon Bonaparte seized part of the empire. When Napoleon issued an ultimatum, Doge Ludovico Manin surrendered in 1797, and Napoleon took control of Venice.
The Republic of Venice is a classic example of how an empire that stretches over vast distances is unable to defend its capital. Unlike other empires, it was not civil wars that killed it, but wars with neighbors. The once invincible once invincible Venetian navy, highly valued, has spread too far and is unable to defend its own empire.
2. Kush Empire
The Kush Empire existed from about 1070 BC. before 350 AD and occupied the territory that currently belongs to the Republic of Sudan. Throughout its long history, very little information has survived about the political structure of the region, however, there is evidence of monarchies in the last years of existence. However, the Kush Empire ruled several small countries in the region, while managing to maintain power. The empire's economy was heavily dependent on the trade in iron and gold.
Some evidence suggests that the empire was under attack from the desert tribes, while other scholars believe that overdependence on iron led to deforestation, causing people to "disperse".
Other empires fell because they exploited their own people or neighboring countries, however, the deforestation theory suggests that the Kush empire fell because it destroyed its own lands. Both the rise and fall of an empire were fatally linked to the same industry.
1. Eastern Roman Empire
The Roman Empire is not just one of the most famous in history, it is also the longest lasting empire. She went through several eras, but, in fact, lasted from 27 BC. before 1453 AD - a total of 1480 years. The republics that preceded it were destroyed by civil wars, and Julius Caesar became a dictator. The empire expanded into present-day Italy and much of the Mediterranean region. The empire had great strength, but the emperor Diocletian in the third century "introduced" a key factor that ensures the long-term success and prosperity of the empire. He determined that the two emperors could rule, thus alleviating the stress of taking over a large number territories. Thus, the foundations were laid for the possibility of the existence of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.
The Western Roman Empire dissolved in 476 when German troops rebelled and deposed Romulus Augustus from the imperial throne. The Eastern Roman Empire continued to prosper after 476, becoming better known as the Byzantine Empire.
Class conflicts led to the civil war of 1341-1347, which not only reduced the number of small states that were part of the Byzantine Empire, but also allowed the short-lived Serbian Empire to rule over some territories for a short period of time. Byzantine Empire. Social upheaval and plague further weakened the kingdom. Combined with the growing unrest in the empire, plague and social unrest, it eventually fell when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453.
Despite the strategy of the co-ruler Diocletian, which undoubtedly greatly increased the "lifespan" of the Roman Empire, it suffered the same fate as other empires, whose massive expansion eventually provoked various ethnic peoples to fight for sovereignty.
These empires lasted the longest in history, but each of them had its own weak spots Whether it was the use of land or people, none of the empires was able to contain social unrest caused by class divisions, unemployment or lack of resources.
The abstracts were prepared based on the materials of the German magazine "Illustrierte Wissenschaft".
From the school history course, we know about the emergence of the first states on earth with their peculiar way of life, culture and art. The distant and in many ways mysterious life of the people of past times excited and awakened the imagination. And, probably, for many it would be interesting to see maps of the greatest empires of antiquity, placed side by side. Such a comparison makes it possible to feel the size of the once gigantic state formations and the place they occupy on Earth and in the history of mankind.
Egypt. Largest sizes empire reached in 1450 BC. e.
Greece. Dark on the map marked the land where the Greek culture flourished.
Persia. The territory of the empire in 500 BC. e.
India. The territory of the country reached its largest size in 250 BC. e.
China occupied such territory in 221 BC. e.
The Roman Empire at its peak - the beginning of the 2nd century AD.
Byzantium in its heyday - VI century.
Arab Caliphate. It reached its largest size in 632 AD. e. A118 years later, the area of the Caliphate was significantly reduced (dark shading).
The state is an ancient social formation and means the territory occupied by a settled population, subject to the same authority. Ancient thinkers already thought about the essence of the state structure. For example, the Greek philosopher Aristotle saw in the state the ultimate natural form of community life, important for a person who by his nature is a "political being". Moreover, he considered the state "the environment of a completely happy life."
In the Middle Ages and at a later time, contractual principles between a person and the supreme power began to be invested in the concept of "state". In the state of nature, a person lacks not rights, as the 17th-century English thinkers John Milton and John Locke believed, but their provision, which he finds in a state approved by contract for this very purpose.
A true son of the Age of Enlightenment, Jean-Jacques Rousseau saw the meaning of the formation of the state in observing the interests of each of its citizens. It is necessary for people to "find a form of union that would protect and secure the personality and property of each member of society, so that each, uniting with others, would obey only himself and remain as free as before." "Freedom is not alienable" - the main position of Rousseau.
Even 8-9 thousand years ago, people began to move to a settled way of life. Agriculture and the first domestic animals appeared. The so-called Neolithic revolution took place, which brought people to new conditions of life. Agriculture could already provide a person with sufficient food, so hunting and gathering receded into the background. There was a division of labor between members of the same group, led by the leaders who ruled over the communities of people. Over time, there was a need for public buildings, and the construction of palaces, temples, fortresses began. Writing and the beginnings of arithmetic, astronomy and medicine arose.
Rivers played a huge role in the formation of early civilizations. The river is not only a waterway, but also a stable crop, it is no coincidence that it was in those distant times that people began to build canals and dams. But since the scattered tribes could not afford large reclamation buildings, groups of farmers united. The first state formations arose in Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and the Euphrates, where a flourishing culture developed.
Modern archaeologists and historians identify several conditions that give the right to call the ancient communities of people a state. The first of them is at least five thousand people worshiping the same gods. The government is equipped with an apparatus of officials, and writing is indispensable, existing in any form. Large buildings - palaces and temples - are also a mandatory attribute of statehood. The population is divided according to specialties so that everyone can no longer do everything for himself and his family. So, along with priests and soldiers, artists, philosophers, builders, blacksmiths, weavers, potters, reapers, merchants, and so on appeared.
The ancient empires that played their part in the history of mankind had all of these conditions. But in addition, they were characterized by long-term political stability and well-established communications to the most remote outskirts, without which it is impossible to manage vast territories. All great empires had large armies: the passion for conquest was almost manic. And the rulers of such states sometimes achieved impressive success, subjugating vast lands on which gigantic empires arose. But time passed, and the giant left the stage of history.
First empire
Egypt. 3000-30 BC
This empire lasted three millennia - longer than any other. The state arose, according to the latest data, more than 3000 years BC, and when the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt (2686-2181) took place, the so-called Old Kingdom was formed. The whole life of the country was connected with the Nile River, with its fertile valley and delta near the Mediterranean Sea. The pharaoh ruled Egypt (the word means a food warehouse), governors and officials sat on the ground, and in general public life in the country was quite developed (see "Science and Life" No. 1, 1997 - "The Stone Age has not yet ended" - and No. 5, 1997 - " Ancient Egypt. Pyramid of power"). The elite of society included officers, scribes, surveyors and local priests. The pharaoh was considered a living deity, and he performed all the most important sacrifices himself.
The Egyptians fanatically believed in the afterlife, cultural objects and majestic buildings - pyramids and temples - were dedicated to it. The walls of the burial chambers, covered with hieroglyphs, told more about the life of the ancient state than other archaeological finds.
The history of Egypt is divided into two periods. The first - from its foundation to 332 BC, when Alexander the Great conquered the country. And the second period - the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty - the descendants of one of the commanders of Alexander the Great. In 30 BC, Egypt was conquered by a younger and more powerful empire - the Roman Empire.
Cradle of Western culture
Greece. 700-146 BC
The southern part of the Balkan Peninsula was inhabited by people tens of thousands of years ago. But only from the 7th century BC, one can speak of Greece as a large, culturally homogeneous entity, albeit with reservations: the country was an alliance of city-states that united at the time of an external threat, such as to repel Persian aggression.
Culture, religion and, above all, language were the framework within which the history of this country proceeded. In 510 BC, most of the cities were freed from the autocracy of the kings. Athens soon became a democracy, but only male citizens had the right to vote.
The state structure, culture and science of Greece became a model and an inexhaustible source of wisdom for almost all the later states of Europe. Already the Greek scientists were wondering about life and the universe. It was in Greece that the foundations of such sciences as medicine, mathematics, astronomy and philosophy were laid. Greek culture stopped its development when the Romans took over the country. The decisive battle took place in 146 BC near the city of Corinth, when the troops of the Greek Achaean Union were defeated.
Dominion of the "King of Kings"
Persia. 600-331 BC
In the 7th century BC, the nomadic tribes of the Iranian Highlands revolted against Assyrian rule. The victors founded the state of Media, which later, together with Babylonia and other neighboring countries, turned into a world power. By the end of the 6th century BC, she, led by Cyrus II, and then his successors, who belonged to the Achaemenid dynasty, continued to conquer. In the west, the lands of the empire went to the Aegean Sea, in the east its border passed along the Indus River, in the south, in Africa, the possessions reached the first rapids of the Nile. (Most of Greece was occupied during the Greco-Persian War by the troops of the Persian king Xerxes in 480 BC.)
The monarch was called the "King of Kings", he stood at the head of the army and was the supreme judge. The possessions were divided into 20 satrapies, where the king's viceroy ruled in his name. The subjects spoke four languages: Old Persian, Babylonian, Elamite and Aramaic.
In 331 BC, Alexander the Great defeated the hordes of Darius II, the last of the Achaemenid dynasty. Thus ended the history of this great empire.
Peace and love - for all
India. 322-185 BC
Traditions devoted to the history of India and its rulers are very fragmentary. Few information refers to the time when the founder of the religious doctrine of Buddha (566-486 BC), the first real person in the history of India, lived.
In the first half of the 1st millennium BC, many small states arose in the northeastern part of India. One of them - Magadha - rose thanks to successful wars of conquest. King Ashoka, who belonged to the Mauryan dynasty, expanded his possessions so much that they already occupied almost all of present-day India, Pakistan and part of Afghanistan. The officials of the administration and a strong army obeyed the king. At first, Ashoka was known as a cruel commander, but, becoming a follower of the Buddha, he preached peace, love and tolerance and received the nickname "Converted". This king built hospitals, fought against deforestation, and pursued a soft policy towards his people. His decrees that have come down to us, carved on rocks, columns, are the oldest, accurately dated epigraphic monuments of India, telling about government, social relations, religion and culture.
Even before his rise, Ashoka divided the population into four castes. The first two were privileged - priests and warriors. The invasion of the Bactrian Greeks and internal strife in the country led the empire to collapse.
The beginning of more than two thousand years of history
China. 221-210 BC
During the period called in the history of China Zhanyu, many years of struggle waged by many small kingdoms brought victory to the Qin kingdom. It united the conquered lands and in 221 BC formed the first Chinese empire headed by Qin Shi Huangdi. The emperor carried out reforms that strengthened the young state. The country was divided into districts, military garrisons were established to maintain order and tranquility, a network of roads and canals was being built, the same education was introduced for officials, and a single monetary system operated throughout the kingdom. The monarch approved the order in which people were obliged to work where the interests and needs of the state required it. Even such a curious law was introduced: all wagons must have an equal distance between the wheels so that they move along the same tracks. In the same reign, the Great Wall of China was created: it connected separate sections of defensive structures built earlier by the northern kingdoms.
In 210, Qing Shi Huangdi died. But subsequent dynasties left intact the foundations of empire building laid by its founder. In any case, the last dynasty of emperors of China ceased to exist at the beginning of our century, and the borders of the state remain practically unchanged to this day.
An army that maintains order
Rome. 509 BC - 330 AD
In 509 BC, the Romans expelled the Etruscan king Tarquinius the Proud from Rome. Rome became a republic. By 264 BC, her troops captured the entire Apennine Peninsula. After that, expansion began in all directions of the world, and by 117 AD, the state stretched its borders from west to east - from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caspian Sea, and from south to north - from the rapids of the Nile and the coast of all of North Africa to the borders with Scotland and along the lower Danube.
For 500 years, Rome was ruled by two annually elected consuls and a senate in charge of state property and finances, foreign policy, military affairs and religion.
In 30 BC, Rome becomes an empire headed by Caesar, and in essence - a monarch. The first Caesar was Augustus. A large and well-trained army participated in the construction of a huge network of roads, their total length is more than 80,000 kilometers. Excellent roads made the army very mobile and made it possible to quickly reach the most remote corners of the empire. The proconsuls appointed by Rome in the provinces - governors and officials loyal to Caesar - also helped to keep the country from disintegration. This was facilitated by the settlements of soldiers who served in the service, located in the conquered lands.
The Roman state, unlike many other giants of the past, fully met the concept of "empire". It also became a model for future contenders for world domination. European countries have inherited a lot from the culture of Rome, as well as the principles of building parliaments and political parties.
The uprisings of peasants, slaves and the urban plebs, the ever-increasing pressure of the Germanic and other barbarian tribes from the north forced Emperor Constantine I to move the capital of the state to the city of Byzantium, later called Constantinople. This happened in 330 AD. After Constantine, the Roman Empire was actually divided into two - Western and Eastern, which were ruled by two emperors.
Christianity - the stronghold of the empire
Byzantium. 330-1453 AD
Byzantium arose from the eastern remnants of the Roman Empire. The capital was Constantinople, founded by Emperor Constantine I in 324-330 on the site of the colony of Byzantium (hence the name of the state). From that moment began the isolation of Byzantium in the depths of the Roman Empire. An important role in the life of this state was played by the Christian religion, which became the ideological foundation of the empire and the stronghold of Orthodoxy.
Byzantium existed for over a thousand years. It reached its political and military power during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, in the 6th century AD. It was then that, having a strong army, Byzantium conquered the western and southern lands of the former Roman Empire. But within these limits, the empire did not last long. In 1204, Constantinople fell under the blows of the Crusaders, which never rose again, and in 1453 the Ottoman Turks captured the capital of Byzantium.
in the name of Allah
Arab Caliphate. 600-1258 AD
The sermons of the Prophet Muhammad laid the foundation for the religious and political movement in Western Arabia. Called "Islam", it contributed to the creation of a centralized state in Arabia. However, soon as a result of successful conquests, a vast Muslim empire, the Caliphate, was born. The presented map shows the greatest extent of the conquests of the Arabs, who fought under the green banner of Islam. In the East, the Caliphate included the western part of India. The Arab world has left indelible marks in the history of mankind, in literature, mathematics and astronomy.
From the beginning of the 9th century, the Caliphate gradually began to fall apart - the weakness of economic ties, the vastness of the territories subordinated to the Arabs, which had their own culture and traditions, did not contribute to unity. In 1258, the Mongols conquered Baghdad, and the Caliphate broke up into several Arab states.
Seizing power must be the dream of at least half of aspiring supervillains. However, some more benevolent (doubtful) people try to do it the old-fashioned way: exploration, colonization, conquest, and sometimes (okay, occasionally) even win-win politics.
Although no one has yet been able to openly seize power (shadow communities do not count), the age of empires was certainly not boring, and as recently as the late 1900s, impressive progress was made.
Let's start all the way from 500 BC and go through it in chronological order to the present. Before you - 25 of the greatest and most powerful empires in the history of mankind!
25. Power of the Achaemenids - about 500 BC
As the 18th largest empire in history, the Achaemenid Empire (also called the first Persian Empire) is already impressive. At its peak around 550 B.C. 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 impressive, 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 - circa 323 BC
Under Alexander the Great, the Macedonian Empire destroyed the Achaemenid Empire and built the final Hellenistic state, laying the foundation for ancient Greek civilization, the philosophical contribution 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 the second largest after the Persian conquest).
23. Mauryan Empire - circa 250 BC
After the death of Alexander the Great, all of India and most of the surrounding territory was conquered by the Mauryan Empire, resulting in the first (and largest) Indian Empire.
At its height, under the benevolent and diplomatic ruler known as Ashok the Great, the Mauryan Empire covered nearly 5 million km², making it the 23rd largest empire in history.
22. Xiongnu Empire - circa 209 BC
During the IV-III centuries. BC, what eventually became China consisted of several warring states. As a result, the Xiongnu's nomadic armies raided the northern territories.
During its heyday, the Xiongnu empire occupied more than 6% of the territory of the whole world, becoming the 10th largest empire in the history of mankind.
They were so irresistible that it took years of negotiations, arranged marriages, and concessions from the Han Dynasty to keep them from conquering.
21. Western Han Dynasty - circa 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, 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 founded the famous trade Silk Road.
20. Eastern Han Dynasty - around 100 AD
During its almost 200 years of existence, the Eastern Han Dynasty has experienced a change of rulers, rebellions, 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 an area of almost 500 km² more - a total of 4.36% of the world.
19. Roman Empire - circa 117 AD
Due to the sheer number of references to the Roman Empire, any average person mistakenly considers it the largest in history.
Indeed, at the height of its heyday in 117 AD. it was the most extensive and social structure in Western civilization, but even then the Romans only occupied a total of 5 million km² of land, making them the 24th largest empire in history.
In this case, the question is not quantity, but 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 currently north-central China. The rulers of the kaganate came from the Ashina clan, another nomadic tribe of obscure origin from Northern Inner Asia.
Like the Xiongnu nearly six centuries earlier, they expanded to rule vast territories in Central Asia, including the lucrative Silk Road trade.
By 557 AD they became the 15th largest empire in history, controlling 4.03% of the entire world (much more than the Roman Empire, which occupied 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 united with various Arab tribes, the caliphate proceeded to conquer, which led to the dominance of Egypt, Syria and the entire Persian Empire. In his best period in 655 AD. The Righteous Caliphate was the 14th largest empire, covering 6.4 million km² of the Middle East.
16. Umayyad Caliphate - around 720 AD
Second of four main caliphates after the death of Muhammad, the Umayyad caliphate emerged after the first Muslim civil war in 661 CE. In addition to dominating the entire Middle East, the Umayyad Caliphate continued to expand into North Africa and parts of Southern Europe.
With a complex social structure consisting of 29% of the world's population (62 million people) and 7.45% of the world's land area, the Umayyad Caliphate became the 8th largest empire in modern history and the largest empire in the world, which only existed until 720 AD.
15. Abbasid Caliphate - around 750 AD
30 years after the heyday of the Umayyad Caliphate, as a result of the rebellion and disobedience to the Umayyads of the descendants of the youngest uncle Muhammad, the Abassid Caliphate came to power.
They claimed that their lineage was closer to the Prophet Muhammad, so they were his true heirs. After the successful seizure of power in 750 AD. they began a "golden age" that lasted almost 400 years and included a strong alliance with China.
Although their empire was no larger than the Umayyad Caliphate, it existed for long period, successfully controlling 11.1 million km², making it the 7th largest empire in human history until its takeover by Genghis Khan in 1206.
14. Tibetan Empire - around 800 AD
The Tibetan empire occupied more than 3% of the territory of the whole world 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 more than 200 years. Ironically, the growing influence Buddhist teachings ultimately led to civil war that split the empire.
13. Tang Dynasty - around 820 AD
The Tang Dynasty ushered in what is considered the golden period of multiculturalism in Chinese civilization. This period belonged to two of the most famous poets of China, Li Bai (Li Bai) and Du Fu (Du Fu), and the invention of woodcuts contributed to the development artistic culture among the growing population of China and all of Asia.
Less significant than other Chinese dynasties historically, the Tang Dynasty lasted nearly three centuries (AD 618 to 907), occupying 3.6% of the world's total area and ranking as the 20th largest empire in the world. the history of mankind.
12. Mongol Empire - circa 1270
Although many people know about it, few people really understand how huge the empire of Genghis Khan really was. In their better times The Mongol Empire controlled a whopping 24 million km² of territory.
By comparison, this is more than 4 times the size of the Roman Empire and slightly less than 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 he knew that without his leadership, the empire would hardly be able to maintain its size. Thus, he divided the empire into regions, and gave control of each to each of his sons in order 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 land of the Mongol Empire).
10. Yuan Dynasty - circa 1310
From northern Chinese territories already previously controlled by the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan's grandson led his troops to conquer the rest of China and establish 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, rebellions in the mid-14th century led to the eventual 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 strong Mongols, the Ming Dynasty still occupied a respectable 4.36% of the world's land area and is the 13th largest empire in history.
She is perhaps best known for building the first navy China, which made it possible to send sea expeditions and stimulate 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 quite small (5.2 million km², making it the 22nd largest empire in existence), it is 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 the defeat in the First World War, the empire was destroyed, resulting in the emergence of the Turkish Republic in 1922.
7. Qing Dynasty - circa 1790
The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty in China. This huge empire became the 4th largest empire in the history of mankind and occupied almost 10% of the entire globe, including the territory of Korea and Taiwan, with a population of over 400 million people.
Nearly three centuries passed before local uprisings forced the last emperor to abdicate, and the Republic of China was established in 1912.
6. Spanish Empire - circa 1810
Not wanting to be left behind 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 naval conquests, they controlled a huge percentage of the territories 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 under its control, it is the 19th largest empire in history.
Nevertheless, it is the longest-lived modern European colonial empire, having existed for six centuries and almost reached the new millennium (December 20, 1999, the Portuguese Empire officially ceased to exist).
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 formed in 1843, which allowed the Brazilian Empire to gain stability until conflicts with Great Britain and Uruguay arose.
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 as a result of the revolution. The empire expanded from the beginning, transforming Russia from a primarily agricultural state into a more modern one.
During its heyday in 1895, the population of the Russian Empire grew from 15.5 million to 170 million people, living on 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 Algiers. They colonized a large percentage of Africa and took possession of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, New Caledonia and a tiny part of South America.
This made the empire in its heyday the 6th largest in history, as its population was 5% of the total population of the globe, and it lived on 7.7% of the Earth.
1. British Empire - circa 1920
It may or may not shock you, but in the competition to conquer the world, there has never been a more dominant empire than the British. Covering an area of 35.5 million km², the British Empire easily became the largest in the history of mankind (30% larger than the Mongol Empire).
For more than a century, Britain has been the world's main superpower and controlled 23% of the world's population. As a result of massive expansion around 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 as 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 cleverly implemented.