The roman empire was not the largest empire in history it was only the 28th largest

The Roman Empire: A Closer Look at its Size

When it comes to historical empires, the Roman Empire often takes center stage. Its grandeur and influence have captivated historians and enthusiasts for centuries. However, contrary to popular belief, the Roman Empire was not the largest empire in history. In fact, it ranks a modest 28th on the list of the world’s largest empires.

To fully comprehend this fact, we need to understand the extent of the Roman Empire at its greatest extent. As depicted in the map above, the Roman Empire reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Trajan in 117 AD. At this time, it spanned across vast territories, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Covering approximately 5 million square kilometers, the Roman Empire truly left an indelible mark on the world.

However, when compared to the truly massive empires that came later in history, the Roman Empire pales in comparison. According to a comprehensive list of the world’s largest empires at their greatest extent, compiled using various historical records, the Roman Empire’s size is dwarfed by several others.

In the first place, we find the British Empire, which sprawled across an astounding 33.7 million square kilometers. With its vast holdings across every continent, the British Empire undoubtedly left an unparalleled impact on the world in terms of language, culture, and commerce.

Following closely behind the British Empire is the Mongol Empire, which at its prime under Genghis Khan reached a staggering 24 million square kilometers. The Mongol Empire’s conquests spread from Asia to Europe, encompassing vast swathes of land.

Another empire that surpasses the Roman Empire in size is the Russian Empire, stretching over 22.8 million square kilometers. This vast empire, spanning Eastern Europe and Asia, played a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of today.

While the Roman Empire’s significance cannot be underestimated, especially in terms of its lasting influence on architecture, language, law, and governance, it is essential to acknowledge that it was not the largest empire to have existed in history. Nevertheless, its impact on civilization remains profound and undeniable.

Sources:

• List of largest empires