The largest land empire

When Kublai Khan completes the conquest of Song China in 1279, the Mongol empires reach from the Pacific to Eastern Europe: about a sixth of the world's land and perhaps a quarter of its people, the largest contiguous empire there has been. Trade crosses Asia under their peace, and in 1346 so does the plague.

How it was checked

• EvidenceT5 INDEPENDENT SECULAR; Status: ADDED 2026-09-30
• Letter eraTHE CAPTURE 313 to 1302
• SourcesTaagepera 1997 (area); standard population estimates; Marco Polo.