The Greatest Empires in History: The British Empire vs. The Mongol Empire
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
When we talk about empires, the first thing that comes to mind is either the Mongol Empire or the British Empire, and it’s not surprising. These are the largest empires that have existed on our planet in the history of human civilization. So, which one was bigger?
Table of Contents
The British Empire
The British Empire was the largest empire in history, spanning across the globe. At its height, it controlled vast territories in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The phrase “the empire on which the sun never sets” was coined to describe its extensive reach, as there was always some part of the empire in daylight.
Key Features:
- Territory: At its zenith in the early 20th century, the British Empire covered approximately 35.5 million square kilometers (13.7 million square miles), which was about 24% of the Earth’s total land area.
- Population: The empire governed over 412 million people in 1913, around 23% of the world’s population at the time.
- Duration: The British Empire began in the late 16th century and lasted until the mid-20th century, enduring for roughly 400 years.
The Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire, established by Genghis Khan in the 13th century, was the largest contiguous land empire in history. It stretched from Eastern Europe across Asia to the Sea of Japan, encompassing vast regions of Eurasia.
Key Features:
- Territory: At its peak in 1279, the Mongol Empire spanned about 24 million square kilometers (9.27 million square miles), covering approximately 16% of the Earth’s land area.
- Population: The empire had around 100 million subjects, about 17% of the world’s population during its height.
- Duration: The Mongol Empire lasted from 1206 to 1368, existing for 162 years.
| Empire | Area (sq km) | Area (sq miles) | % of Land Area | Population (millions) | % of World Population | Duration (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Empire | 35.5 million | 13.7 million | 24% | 412 | 23% | 400 |
| Mongol Empire | 24 million | 9.27 million | 16% | 100 | 17% | 162 |
Why Did These Empires Disintegrate?
British Empire:
The disintegration of the British Empire was primarily due to the rise of nationalist movements in its colonies, economic strain from World War I and II, and changing international attitudes towards imperialism. Decolonization accelerated after World War II, leading to the independence of many territories.
Mongol Empire:
The Mongol Empire fell due to internal divisions, succession disputes, and the inability to effectively govern such a vast and culturally diverse territory. The empire split into several khanates, which eventually were assimilated by other powers or disintegrated over time.
Is It Possible for Such Huge Empires to Exist Again?
In today’s world, the concept of such large empires is unlikely due to the rise of nation-states, international laws, and the emphasis on self-determination and human rights. Modern technology and communication have also made it more challenging to control vast territories without consent from the governed.
Interesting Facts
- The British Empire was a major driver of global trade and the spread of the English language, which remains one of the most spoken languages in the world.
- The Mongol Empire facilitated trade along the Silk Road, contributing to cultural and economic exchanges between the East and West.
This comparison highlights the remarkable scale and impact of these two historic empires. Despite their differences, both the British and Mongol empires have left lasting legacies that continue to influence our world today.
