We’ve already talked about a lot of galloping hordes in this podcast, including the Goths, the Huns, and the Vikings. But there is one tribe that outstrips them all, and even outstrips the Roman Empire in terms of sheer territory conquered. In fact, this tribe conquered and ruled the largest territory in the entire history of the world.
Yes, I’m talking about Genghis Khan and the Mongols. At its peak the Mongol Empire covered 9 million square miles of territory.
Comparison of the Mongol Empire (blue) and the Roman Empire (red) at their largest extents
Statue of Genghis Khan, which can be found in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Mongol warrior on horseback
Vlad Dracula, from a copy of a portrait that was apparently made in his lifetime.
Map showing the location of Wallachia.
Vlad Dracula’s signature. It actually reads ‘Wladislaus Dragwlya.’
Rather gruesome Medieval woodcut image of Vlad Dracula having some enemies impaled