The Growth of the Mongol Empire Mapped

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The Mongol Empire arose from the alliance of several nomadic clans in the Mongol homeland under Genghis Khan’s power. In 1200, Genghis Khan began to unite the scattered Mongol tribes before rapidly expanding his territory across Asia and establishing the World’s most extensive empire in the process. However, his Empire would split after his death, causing Mongol power to recede to the Steppes by 1394.

Below the animated map of the growth of the Mongol Empire from 1206 to 1294.

The growth of the Mongol Empire (1206-1294)

Here is another more detailed map illustrating the heyday and demise of the Mongol Empire

The Mongol Conquests: Every Year

The Mongol Empire became the biggest contiguous empire by area in history, covering 24 million square kilometers (9.27 mln sq mi) and the fourth-largest empire by the percentage of the global population. Starting in Mongolia, the Mongol Empire finally spread from Central Europe to the Sea of Japan.

Flag map of the Mongolian empire with contemporary borders

The maximum size of the Mongol Empire, compared to America

The map below is comparing the Mongol Empire and The Roman Empire at their peaks.

The Mongol Empire vs. The Roman Empire at their peaks

The Mongols obtained more land in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. While both empires were vast, the Roman empire’s size whitened in contrast to that of the Mongol empire. At its territorial peak in 117 AD, the Roman empire’s area was 24 mln sq km (9.3 mln sq mi), while the Mongolian empire’s territory in 1279 AD was only 5 mln sq km (1.9 mln sq mi).

While the Mongolian Empire was the largest contiguous empire in history, the British Empire is the most extensive empire by area, though its constituent parts were expanded over oceans: 35.5 mln sq km (13.7 mln sq mi).