The following is a
list of the casualty count in battles in
world history. The list includes both
sieges (not technically battles but usually yielding similar combat-related deaths) and civilian casualties during the battles. Large battle casualty counts are almost impossible to calculate precisely. Many of these figures are estimates, and, where possible, a range of estimates is presented. Figures display numbers of all types of casualties when available (
killed,
wounded,
missing, and sick) but may only include number killed. Where possible, the list specifies whether or not
prisoners are included in the count. This list does not include bombing runs (such as the
attack on Pearl Harbor and
atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) or massacres such as the
Rape of Nanking, which, despite potentially massive casualties, are not typically classified as "battles," since they are usually one-sided engagements or the nation attacked upon is not officially at war with the attackers. Tactical or strategic strikes, however, may form part of larger engagements which are themselves battles.