The Largest States in the World in AD 500
On the world border map for AD 500, the largest state was Sasanian Empire, with about 3.49 million km² — some 2% of the world's land. It was followed by Ruanruan and Jin Empire.
The 20 largest states in AD 500
| Rank | State | Area | Share of world land | Rank in AD 400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sasanian Empire | 3.49 million km² | 2.3% | new |
| 2 | Ruanruan | 2.62 million km² | 1.8% | 1 |
| 3 | Jin Empire | 2.62 million km² | 1.8% | new |
| 4 | Gupta Empire | 2.45 million km² | 1.6% | 3 |
| 5 | Eastern Roman Empire | 1.93 million km² | 1.3% | 6 |
| 6 | Toba Wei | 1.40 million km² | 0.9% | new |
| 7 | Axum | 1.03 million km² | 0.7% | – |
| 8 | Hopewell Culture | 770,000 km² | 0.5% | 10 |
| 9 | Visigoths | 590,000 km² | 0.4% | – |
| 10 | Ostrogoths | 560,000 km² | 0.4% | – |
| 11 | Vakataka | 540,000 km² | 0.4% | new |
| 12 | Himyarite Kingdom | 400,000 km² | 0.3% | 13 |
| 13 | Funan | 360,000 km² | 0.2% | new |
| 14 | Vandals | 350,000 km² | 0.2% | new |
| 15 | Maya states | 340,000 km² | 0.2% | new |
| 16 | Makkura | 340,000 km² | 0.2% | new |
| 17 | Empire of Ghana | 340,000 km² | 0.2% | 15 |
| 18 | Franks | 320,000 km² | 0.2% | – |
| 19 | Kushan Principalities | 220,000 km² | 0.1% | new |
| 20 | Kurykans | 200,000 km² | 0.1% | new |
Areas are measured from the border polygons of the map and are approximate; claimed areas, tributaries and unorganised land are not included.
Largest states by region
Europe
| Rank | State | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Roman Empire | 1.93 million km² |
| 2 | Visigoths | 590,000 km² |
| 3 | Ostrogoths | 560,000 km² |
| 4 | Vandals | 350,000 km² |
| 5 | Franks | 320,000 km² |
Asia
| Rank | State | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sasanian Empire | 3.49 million km² |
| 2 | Ruanruan | 2.62 million km² |
| 3 | Jin Empire | 2.62 million km² |
| 4 | Gupta Empire | 2.45 million km² |
| 5 | Toba Wei | 1.40 million km² |
Africa
| Rank | State | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Axum | 1.03 million km² |
| 2 | Himyarite Kingdom | 400,000 km² |
| 3 | Makkura | 340,000 km² |
| 4 | Empire of Ghana | 340,000 km² |
Americas
| Rank | State | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hopewell Culture | 770,000 km² |
| 2 | Maya states | 340,000 km² |
| 3 | Veracruz civilization | 100,000 km² |
| 4 | Moche | 100,000 km² |
| 5 | Monte Albán | 60,000 km² |
Oceania
| Rank | State | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuʻi Tonga Empire | 20,000 km² |
Questions
What was the largest country in the world in AD 500?
Sasanian Empire, with about 3.49 million km², on the border map for AD 500.
What were the five largest states in AD 500?
1. Sasanian Empire (3.49 million km²); 2. Ruanruan (2.62 million km²); 3. Jin Empire (2.62 million km²); 4. Gupta Empire (2.45 million km²); 5. Eastern Roman Empire (1.93 million km²).
What was the largest state in Europe in AD 500?
Eastern Roman Empire, with about 1.93 million km².
What was the largest state in Asia in AD 500?
Sasanian Empire, with about 3.49 million km².
What was the largest state in Africa in AD 500?
Axum, with about 1.03 million km².
← Largest states in AD 400 · Largest states in AD 600 → · Largest empires in history · The world in AD 500
Last updated 10 November 2026. Sources: border data from historical-basemaps, land and rivers from Natural Earth; texts written for Chronica Maps from standard reference works. How we make the maps.