Ancient history

What does the sun never sets in British empire mean?

"The sun never sets on the British Empire" is an expression that refers to the vast size of the British Empire during its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The empire spanned across multiple continents and time zones, meaning that there was always a part of the empire where it was daytime.

This expression symbolized the global reach and power of the British Empire. It signified the empire's widespread territorial possessions, which included colonies, protectorates, and dominions, that covered a significant portion of the globe. The phrase highlighted the empire's far-reaching influence, trade networks, and military presence across the world.

Although the British Empire has long since been dismantled, the expression remains a significant historical reference to the empire's extensive geopolitical influence and its global impact during its era.