As a historian with a keen interest in the evolution of empires, I find the question of "the greatest empire" to be a fascinating one. It's important to note that the term "greatest" can be interpreted in many ways: by land area, cultural influence, military power, economic prosperity, or the length of time it lasted. The data you've provided offers a perspective on the largest empires in terms of land area, but it's just one aspect of a complex story.

The British Empire, which at its zenith covered approximately 35.52 million square kilometers, or 23.84% of the world's land area, is often considered the largest empire in terms of geographical extent. It was a global empire that spanned six continents and had a profound impact on the world, influencing everything from language and culture to politics and economics. The empire's reach was so vast that at one point, it was said "the sun never set on the British Empire."

However, the Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his successors, was an extraordinary phenomenon in the 13th and 14th centuries. It covered about 24.01 million square kilometers, which was 16.11% of the world's land area. The Mongol Empire was known for its military prowess and rapid expansion, creating a vast trade network that connected Europe and Asia. Its influence extended far beyond its borders, affecting the course of history in profound ways.

The Russian Empire, with 22.81 million square kilometers or 15.31% of the world's land area, was another expansive empire. It lasted from the late 16th century until the Russian Revolution in 1917. The Russian Empire was known for its territorial expansion, particularly into Siberia and Central Asia, and for its cultural and political influence in Eastern Europe and beyond.

The Qing Dynasty of China, which lasted from 1644 to 1912, covered 14.79 million square kilometers, or 9.87% of the world's land area. It was the last imperial dynasty of China and saw significant territorial expansion, cultural development, and economic growth. The Qing Dynasty was known for its art, literature, and technological advancements, as well as its military conquests.

When considering the "greatest" empire, it's also essential to consider the longevity and stability of these empires, their cultural and technological contributions, and their impact on the societies they governed. Empires like the Roman Empire, the Persian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, while not listed in your data, also had significant impacts on the world and could be considered "great" in different respects.

It's clear that the concept of the "greatest empire" is multifaceted and subjective, depending on the criteria one chooses to apply. Each empire has its unique story and legacy, and the greatness of an empire is often in the eye of the beholder.

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Empires at their greatest extentEmpireMax. land area (million km2)% of world land areaBritish Empire35.523.84%Mongol Empire24.016.11%Russian Empire22.815.31%Qing dynasty14.79.87%45 more rowsread more >>