Seven Ancient Empires That Dominated the Pre-Modern World

From the 3rd century BC until the late 1st century AD, the Xiongnu Empire, a nomadic confederation, dominated an area of 3.47 million square miles in the East Eurasian Steppe, ultimately succumbing to victories by the Han dynasty. The Han Dynasty, which existed from 202 BC to 220 AD, reached its zenith around 50 BC, encompassing 2.3 million square miles and promoting trade and innovation. Founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, the Achaemenid Empire covered 2.12 million square miles until its defeat by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. The Macedonian Empire (336–323 BC) extended over 2.01 million square miles, while the Roman Empire peaked at 1.93 million square miles in 117 AD before its fall in 476 AD. The Maurya Empire (320–185 BC) unified much of India, and the Hunnic Empire (435–453 AD) contributed to Rome's decline. The Ancient Era is marked from 3500–3000 BC to 476 AD.