The so-called "Tartarian Empire" is not a real historical entity.
The concept of a vast,
technologically advanced Tartarian Empire that was erased from history is a modern conspiracy
theory.
Here's a breakdown of the real history and the myths surrounding this topic:
Real History: The Land of Tartary
What was "Tartary"? In pre-modern European maps and literature, "Tartary" or "Tartaria" was a
generalized term for a vast region of Central Asia and Siberia. It was not a single empire or
nation.
Who lived there? The area was inhabited by various nomadic Turkic and Mongol peoples,
including the Tatars (a specific group of Turkic people). The word "Tatar" became a general
term used by Europeans to describe all these groups.
Historical empires in the region: This area was the heartland of real, powerful empires, most
notably the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan. The Mongol Empire was indeed one of
the largest land empires in history, but it was not called "Tartary." Other empires, khanates, and
states rose and fell in this region over centuries.
European perception: For Europeans, Tartary was a mysterious, remote land. Their knowledge of
the region was often incomplete or based on second-hand accounts. Maps of the time often
depicted it vaguely, and the term "Tartary" served as a catch-all for these unknown lands.
The Myth: The "Tartarian Empire" Conspiracy Theory
The modern myth of the "Tartarian Empire" is a recent phenomenon, primarily circulating on the
internet. It claims that a single, unified, and technologically advanced "Tartarian Empire" once
existed and was a global superpower.
Key tenets of the myth:
A Global, High-Tech Civilization: Proponents of this theory claim that the "Tartarian Empire" was
a sophisticated, high-tech civilization that built magnificent, ornate buildings around the world.
They attribute most of the grand old buildings (like the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Paris
Opera, and many European and Russian palaces and cathedrals) to this empire.
The "Mud Flood": A core part of the theory is the "mud flood," which alleges that a cataclysmic
event (or a deliberate, global cover-up) buried the ground floors of these magnificent buildings,
leading to the perception that they are "basements." This is used to "explain" why many old
buildings have half-buried lower levels.
Eradication from History: The theory claims that after the empire's downfall, a shadowy cabal or
"the establishment" systematically erased all evidence of its existence, including its history,
technology, and culture.
"Ornate" Architecture: Proponents focus on the similar architectural styles of 19th and early
20th-century buildings worldwide, particularly the Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, and Gothic Revival
styles. They claim this uniformity proves they were all built by one empire.
Debunking the Myths
Architectural History: The grand buildings cited as "Tartarian" are well-documented products of
specific architectural movements like Neoclassicism and Beaux-Arts. Their construction,
architects, and history are a matter of public record. The use of similar styles globally is a result
of cultural exchange, colonialism, and a shared admiration for Greek and Roman aesthetics, not
a single empire.
No Evidence: There is no credible historical, archaeological, or linguistic evidence to support the
existence of a single, unified "Tartarian Empire" that built these structures. The idea contradicts
centuries of established world history.
The "Mud Flood" Explanation: The so-called "mud flood" can be easily explained by several real-
world phenomena:
Changing Street Levels: Over time, especially in growing cities, street levels were often raised to
improve drainage, sanitation, or create new infrastructure, naturally burying the lower levels of
older buildings.
Building on Slopes: Many buildings were constructed on uneven terrain, with one side naturally
lower than the other.
Basements and Substructures: Many buildings were simply built with basements or lower levels
for storage or other purposes.
The "Tartary" Misunderstanding: The conspiracy theory is built on a misunderstanding of the
historical term "Tartary." It conflates a broad geographical term with a unified political empire.
In conclusion, while the land of "Tartary" was a real geographical term used by Europeans, the
"Tartarian Empire" as a lost, global, technologically advanced civilization is a fictional narrative.
It's a prime example of a modern conspiracy theory that uses misinterpretations of history and
architecture to create a compelling, but entirely baseless, alternative history.
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