Top-10 Largest Cities of the Medieval Period, Check the List

During the medieval period (5th–15th century), cities played an important role in shaping trade, culture, politics, and learning. While most of the world was still rural, some cities became major centers of power and population. These urban hubs connected different regions through the Silk Road, trade networks, and empires. Let’s explore the 10 largest cities of the medieval period and why they were so important.

About the Medieval Period

The Medieval Period, also called the Middle Ages, lasted from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE to the beginning of the Renaissance in the 15th century. Historians divide it into three phases:

• Early Middle Ages (5th–10th century): Fall of Rome, rise of feudalism, spread of Christianity.
• High Middle Ages (11th–13th century): Growth of kingdoms, Crusades, Gothic architecture, rise of universities.
• Late Middle Ages (14th–15th century): Black Death, Hundred Years’ War, fall of Constantinople (1453).

While much of Europe struggled with wars and instability, Asia, the Middle East, and India flourished with powerful empires and thriving cities. Many of the world’s largest medieval cities were located here, serving as centers of trade, learning, and culture.

List of Top-10 Largest Cities in the Medieval Period

The medieval period (5th–15th century) saw the rise of many great cities that became centers of trade, culture, and power. Cities like Kaifeng, Angkor, Cairo, and Constantinople were among the largest, attracting huge populations and shaping the growth of medieval societies worldwide.

Here is the list of top-10 largest cities in the medieval period:

Rank	City	Region	Estimated Population
1.	Kaifeng	China	700,000
2.	Angkor	Cambodia	650,000
3.	Gangaikonda Cholapuram	India	300,000
4.	Kyoto	Japan	300,000
5.	Cairo	Egypt	300,000
6.	Thanjavur	India	250,000
7.	Constantinople	Turkey	250,000
8.	Baghdad	Iraq	250,000
9.	Nishapur	Iran	250,000
10.	Córdoba	Spain	110,000

Kaifeng, Largest City of Medieval Period

Kaifeng was the capital of the Song Dynasty and the biggest city in the medieval world. It had nearly 700,000 people and was famous for its trade markets, cultural diversity, and political importance. Communities from Persia and India also lived here, making it a global hub.

Angkor

The capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor reached a population of about 650,000 people. It is most famous for the Angkor Wat temple, a symbol of Khmer architecture. Angkor was also an important trade link between Southeast Asia, India, and China.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Founded by Chola ruler Rajendra I, this city showcased the power and culture of the Chola Empire. With about 300,000 people, it was filled with grand palaces and temples, reflecting the Cholas’ love for art and architecture.

Kyoto

Kyoto served as Japan’s imperial capital from 794 CE. With a population of about 300,000, it became the political and cultural heart of Japan. Despite later wars, Kyoto remained an important city until Tokyo rose in power.

Cairo

Founded in 969 CE, Cairo grew rapidly into a powerful Islamic city. Located along the Nile River, it became a trade and learning center, home to the world-famous Al-Azhar University. By the 13th century, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the Muslim world.