Roman Empire vs Mongol Empire, Largest Empires in Human History

The dawn of an empire
One of the smaller towns and ports in current-day Italy, Rome, gave birth to one of the biggest empires mankind has ever seen. Established by Romulus and Remus, beside the river of Tiber in 753 BCE, Rome started as a city from which was at that time just a syndicate of small townships and hamlets as the Kingdome of Rome.

The Roman Empire at its height was as dominant as an empire could get. They enlarged their realm to the entirety of the Italian peninsula by the 3rd century CE through federal, economic and militaristic methods, leaving other civilizations of people of different origins dumbfounded. The Roman Republic governed the Italian land.

Although starting its journey from the 7th century BCE, emperors did not start ruling Rome until it was the first century BCE. Before this, the Roman empire was ruled by magistrates who controlled certain regions and were working side by side with the Legislature. The Governance system of democracy soon abolished due to many plots and divisions amidst the ruling group.

The Roman Senate's right to rule was disputed by three of the most influential men in Rome. Julius Caesar, a politician, and an accomplished military general, Pompey and Marcus Licinius Crassus who were political powerhouses. These three men were the triumvirs who carried the ultimate authority.

The rise of Rome

Before the Empire officially started as the Roman Empire, establishments were built when it was still knowns as the Republic of Rome. Julius Caesar is the person who was praised for what Rome was able to accomplish at that time. A grand strategist, Caesar saw massive breakthroughs in his military expeditions in Europe. He conquered land and tribes which were deemed unconquerable. As a governor of conquered areas and taking spoils of war, he became a very rich man. When we imagine the Roman Empire, the first name that comes to our mind is that of Julius Caesar's.

After the slaying of Julius due to internal problems and questioning of his dictatorship, a civil war broke out which ultimately gave birth to the Roman Empire.

The enlargement of the empire
The lifespan of the Roman Empire can be measured from when the very first emperor started ruling to the demise of Rome at very unfortunate circumstances. From 31 BCE to 476 CE, the Roman Empire stood at a zenith point in 117 CE, occupying Asia Minor, the northern parts of Africa, and almost the entirety of Europe. Encompassing about 2 billion miles of territory, it was home to some 60 million people.

The empire got so big that in 286 CE the Empire was partitioned into two empires. One to the east announced to be the Eastern Roman Empire and one to the west identified as the Western Roman Empire. Both Empires were ruled by their assigned emperors. The infamous "Sack of Rome" executed by the Visigoths in 410 CE, which lead to the ultimate demise of Rome and soon the Western Roman Empire. In contrast, the Eastern Roman Empire stayed alive until the 15th Century.

The disintegration of the Roman Empire

Many blame the decline of Rome to be the expanse of Christendom and the death of Rome. But there is more than one reason why the empire fell. Political divisions, corrupted leaders, attacks from Visigoths, rise of a new religion, all these issues are to be blamed when we discuss the failure of the Empire of Rome, which was the most prominent of its time.

The Mongol Empire at its height

The Mongolian empire, a great dynasty which was founded by Genghis Khan, is one of the most influential dynasties of the pre-renaissance era is known for the vast land it had subdued; a significant part of Asia and even in some parts of northeastern Europe. Genghis Khan, the head of the nation carried out numerous voyages to capture more and more land in the thirteenth century.
Genghis Khan was born as Temujin. With the country in disarray with tribal warfare, he brought the tribes under one flag through alliances and dismissal of rivals. As all other remaining noblemen believed him to be the true ruler, he changed his name to Genghis Khan. The name translates to "The Great King."

China, Persia, Iraq, Central Asia, some territories of North Africa and some parts of northeastern Europe belonged to the dynasty and were captured by Genghis Khan and the rulers after him. The empire stretched from the Pacific Ocean which is at the far east to the northeastern parts of Europe, spanning a massive amount of land. The Mongolian Empire at its height The Mongolian Empire at its height controlled the largest landmass unified under a single banner.

Even after the death of the first Great Khan, the Mongols ran rapid capturing province after province. Their soldiers were well implemented and had good maneuverability. The Mongols had good morals and strong leadership with an uncorrupted governing body, one of the reasons why they were able to do so much in such short time span.

A brutal civil war, legal reformations, and political groupings lead to the ultimate fall of this dynasty. The Mongol empire became nonexistent and the landmass split to diverse dynasties.

Final thoughts

Both the Romans and Mongols had great empires. Each fell victim to the wrath of time. As the circumstances around the world evolved, the dynasties couldn't keep up with the change. It led to the demise of both the empires. It is safe to say both these great empires left a mark on human history and they shall never be forgotten.