Tartaria: Unveiling the Myths and Realities of a Historical Enigma
Tartaria, a name shrouded in mystery and intrigue, has captivated the imaginations of historians, explorers, and conspiracy theorists alike. This vast region, once encompassing a significant portion of Asia, has been the subject of numerous debates and speculations, blurring the lines between historical facts and fantastical narratives. Before delving deeper, it’s important to note that the term “Tartaria” can also refer to other things: a village in Romania, a historical term for northern and central Asia, and even a group of conspiracy theories . This article focuses on Tartaria as a historical region and explores its geographical and historical context, examines the controversies surrounding it, and ultimately separates the myths from the realities.
Geography and History of Tartaria
Tartary, as it was known in Western European literature and cartography, was a blanket term used to describe a vast expanse of Asia. Its boundaries stretched from the Caspian Sea and the Ural Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, and from Siberia in the north to the borders of China, Mongolia, and Central Asia in the south . This expansive region, characterized by arid plains and nomadic populations, remained largely unknown to Europeans until the 18th century.
Early European Knowledge and Perceptions
Knowledge of Manchuria, Siberia, and Central Asia in Europe before the 18th century was limited. The entire area was known simply as “Tartary” and its inhabitants “Tartars” . In the early modern period, as understanding of the geography increased, Europeans began to subdivide Tartary into sections with prefixes denoting the name of the ruling power or the geographical location. Thus, Siberia was Great Tartary or Russian Tartary, the Crimean Khanate was Little Tartary, Manchuria was Chinese Tartary, and western Central Asia (prior to becoming Russian Central Asia) was known as Independent Tartary .
European opinions of the area were often negative, reflecting the legacy of the Mongol invasions that originated from this region . The term originated in the wake of the widespread devastation spread by the Mongol Empire. The adding of an extra “r” to “Tatar” was suggestive of Tartarus, a Hell-like realm in Greek mythology . In the 18th century, conceptions of Siberia or Tartary and its inhabitants as “barbarous” by Enlightenment-era writers tied into contemporary concepts of civilization, savagery, and racism .
However, not all European opinions of Tartary were negative. Some saw it as a possible source of spiritual knowledge lacking in contemporary European society . In Five Years of Theosophy, the polymath and “seer” Emanuel Swedenborg is quoted as having advised, “Seek for the Lost Word among the hierophants of Tartary, China, and Tibet” .
Decline of the Term “Tartary”
The use of “Tartary” declined as the region became more known to European geographers; however, the term was still used long into the 19th century . Ethnographical data collected by Jesuit missionaries in China contributed to the replacement of “Chinese Tartary” with Manchuria in European geography by the early 18th century. The voyages of Egor Meyendorff and Alexander von Humboldt into this region gave rise to the term Central Asia in the early 19th century as well as supplementary terms such as Inner Asia, and Russian expansionism led to the term “Siberia” being coined for the Asian half of the Russian Empire . By the 20th century, Tartary as a term for Siberia and Central Asia was obsolete .
Historical Maps of Tartaria
Historical maps provide a fascinating glimpse into how Europeans perceived and depicted Tartary. One such map, created by Gerard Mercator in 1630, shows the Tartar Empire with Russia and the Caspian Sea in the west, the north of China with the Great Wall of China, Korea (still shown as an island), and Alaska in the northeast . This map, like many others from the period, reflects the evolving understanding of geography and the blend of fact and conjecture that characterized early cartography.
Another notable map is the one by Jodocus Hondius, published in Amsterdam in 1633 . This map vividly depicts East Asia, with a focus on Tartary, Central Asia, and Asiatic Russia. It features a prominent Great Wall of China, Korea depicted as an island, an early representation of America’s northwest coast, and the marked Strait of Anian. Decorative vignettes provide insights into the nomadic tribes of the region, reflecting the European fascination with the unknown and the “other.”
A closer look at a 1632 Mercator map of Tartary reveals intricate details of forests, rivers, mountains, and towns, along with a vivid depiction of the Great Wall of China . This black and white engraved map, measuring approximately 7.5 x 10 inches, provides a detailed visual representation of Tartary as envisioned by European cartographers.
The Hondius Family and Cartography
Jodocus Hondius, the creator of one of the prominent maps of Tartary, came from a family of renowned cartographers and engravers . Jodocus Hondius the Elder, originally Joost d’Hondt, was born in Wakken, Flanders, in 1563. He honed his skills in drawing and calligraphy and became a respected engraver. Due to war circumstances, he moved to London in 1584, where he worked as an engraver, instrument-maker, and map-maker.
In 1593, Hondius settled in Amsterdam, a burgeoning center of cartography. He established his business “In de Wackere Hondt” (in the vigilant dog), an allusion to his birthplace and name. He engraved numerous maps and published atlases, including a continuation of Gerard Mercator’s Atlas. After his death in 1612, his widow and sons, Jodocus Jr. and Henricus, continued the family’s cartographic legacy.
Tărtăria Tablets
While not directly related to the vast region of Tartary, the Tărtăria tablets offer an intriguing archaeological connection to the term . These three tablets, reportedly discovered in 1961 at a Neolithic site in the village of Tărtăria in Transylvania, Romania, bear incised symbols that have been the subject of considerable controversy. Some archaeologists believe these symbols represent the earliest known form of writing in the world, potentially predating Mesopotamian proto-writing. However, the authenticity and dating of the tablets remain disputed.
Archaeological Findings at Tartaria
Archaeological excavations at Tartaria have unearthed a wealth of artifacts that shed light on the region’s history and culture . In 1961, a team led by Nicolae Vlassa reportedly discovered three inscribed clay tablets, twenty-six clay and stone figurines, a shell bracelet, and the burnt bones of an adult female. These findings, associated with the Vinča-Turdaș culture, provide valuable insights into the prehistoric societies that inhabited the region.
The Tartaria Conspiracy Theory
In recent years, a pseudohistorical conspiracy theory known as the “Tartarian Empire” has emerged, claiming that Tartaria was a lost civilization with advanced technology and culture . This theory, with roots in Russian nationalism, posits that Tartaria was deliberately suppressed from history by world governments seeking to conceal its true origins and achievements. The theory of Great Tartaria as a suppressed lost land or civilization originated in Russia, with aspects first appearing in Anatoly Fomenko’s new chronology in the mid-1970s and early 1980s, and was then popularized by the racial occult history of Nikolai Levashov .
“Evidence” and Arguments
Proponents of the Tartarian Empire theory point to various pieces of “evidence” to support their claims, including:
* Architectural anomalies: Similarities in architectural styles across continents are cited as proof of a unified Tartarian civilization . For example, they might point to the presence of domed buildings in both Europe and Asia, or the use of similar building materials and techniques in different parts of the world. However, these similarities can be explained by cultural diffusion, trade routes, and the influence of global architectural trends throughout history.
* Buried buildings: The existence of underground structures and buildings with submerged architectural elements is interpreted as evidence of a “mud flood” that destroyed Tartaria . Proponents might cite examples of buildings with basement windows or doors that are now below ground level, suggesting that these structures were once fully above ground before being partially buried by a catastrophic flood. However, this theory lacks scientific basis and ignores geological evidence that explains how land levels can change over time due to natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation, and tectonic activity.
* Technological anachronisms: Proponents claim that certain technologies, such as electricity and wireless communication, existed in Tartaria long before their supposed invention . They might point to old photographs or illustrations that appear to depict electric lighting or other advanced technologies in Tartaria, claiming that these are evidence of a suppressed history. However, these claims are often based on misinterpretations of historical images or a lack of understanding of the technologies in question.
Factors Contributing to the Theory’s Popularity
Despite its lack of factual grounding, the Tartarian Empire theory has gained traction online, particularly on social media platforms like YouTube and Reddit . This can be attributed to several factors:
* The allure of the unknown: The idea of a lost civilization with advanced technology and a hidden history is inherently appealing to many. It taps into a sense of wonder and curiosity about the past and offers an alternative narrative that challenges conventional historical accounts.
* Distrust of authority: Conspiracy theories often thrive in environments where there is a lack of trust in official narratives and institutions. The Tartarian Empire theory plays on this distrust by suggesting that governments and historical authorities are actively concealing the truth about Tartaria.
* The power of visuals: The Tartarian Empire theory relies heavily on images and videos, which can be easily manipulated and disseminated online. These visuals, often presented without proper context or explanation, can be very persuasive, especially to those who are already predisposed to believe in the theory.
Books and Publications
The Tartarian Empire theory has also found its way into various books and publications, further fueling its spread and contributing to its popularization. Some examples include:
* “Vanished Kingdoms: Great Tartaria And The Restart” : This book explores the civilization of Great Tartaria and the “Old-World Empire,” emphasizing the importance of “Aether” and the usage of “unique Occult Technology.” It delves into the supposed destruction of this empire and how its citizens valued elegance and advanced technology.
* “Tartaria: Empire of Mystery and Legend” : This book offers a detailed exploration of the enigmatic empire of Tartaria, spanning its mysterious origins to its cultural, scientific, and technological achievements. It delves into different facets of Tartarian civilization, from its rise and fall as an empire to its enduring legacies in architecture, arts, cuisine, and scientific pursuits.
* “The One World Tartarians Erased From History” : This book claims that Tartary was the greatest civilization ever to be erased from history, encompassing most of the world we know today. It alleges that the Tartarian people were destroyed by advanced technology and that their “Old Word Order” was a benevolent society with advanced knowledge and technology.
* “The Mud Flood Hypothesis” : This book explores the history of the conspiracy theory about the global empire of Tartaria, focusing on the “mud flood” hypothesis and its connection to the supposed destruction and cover-up of Tartaria.
* “The Fall of Tartaria” : This audiobook presents a fictionalized account of the Tartarian Empire, bringing the conspiracy theory to life in an alternative reality setting.
Documentaries and Videos
In addition to books, the Tartarian Empire theory is also propagated through documentaries and videos, often featuring visual “evidence” and speculative interpretations of historical events. Some examples include:
* “The Fall of Tartaria” (animated short film) : This animated film depicts the Tartarian empire as a global civilization that was ultimately destroyed due to decadence and hubris.
* “Omnibus” The Tartarian Empire (Entry 1279. NA0206)” (podcast episode) : This podcast episode discusses the Tartarian Empire conspiracy theory, exploring its origins and its connection to other fringe theories.
* “Unveiling the Truth Behind ‘Hidden’ Histories” (article) : This article analyzes the Tartarian Empire theory, examining its claims and its potential implications.
* YouTube video discussing Tartaria and Atlantis : This video explores the connection between the Tartarian Empire theory and the myth of Atlantis, suggesting that both were advanced civilizations that were lost to history.
Different Theories and Controversies Surrounding Tartaria
The term “Tartaria” and its associated theories have been subject to various interpretations and controversies. Here’s a table summarizing some of the key perspectives:
| Theory/Controversy | Key Arguments | Sources |
|—|—|—|
| Tartary as a geographical term | Tartary was a historical term used by Europeans to describe a vast region in Asia, often with negative connotations. | |
| Tartarian Empire as a lost civilization | Tartaria was an advanced civilization with technology and culture that was deliberately suppressed from history. | |
| Mud flood theory | A catastrophic mud flood destroyed Tartaria and reset human history. | |
| Tartaria as a source of spiritual knowledge | Tartary held ancient wisdom and spiritual knowledge that was lost to the modern world. | |
| Tartaria and Russian nationalism | The Tartarian Empire theory is used to promote Russian nationalism and expansionism. | |
These varying perspectives highlight the complexity and controversy surrounding Tartaria, ranging from its historical usage as a geographical term to its appropriation in pseudohistorical narratives.
Controversies and Debates Surrounding Tartaria
The Tartarian Empire theory has sparked numerous controversies and debates, with historians and academics largely dismissing it as pseudohistory . Critics argue that the theory:
* Distorts historical facts: It misinterprets historical events and evidence to fit a predetermined narrative. For example, it often takes architectural similarities out of context or ignores evidence that contradicts its claims.
* Promotes harmful ideologies: It has been linked to Russian ethnonationalism and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories . By portraying Tartaria as a superior civilization destroyed by malevolent forces, the theory can fuel xenophobia and distrust of other cultures and groups.
* Undermines critical thinking: It encourages a reliance on speculation and conjecture rather than evidence-based reasoning. This can lead to a rejection of established historical knowledge and a susceptibility to misinformation.
Despite these criticisms, the Tartarian Empire theory continues to persist, fueled by online communities and the spread of misinformation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking, historical literacy, and responsible information consumption.
Conclusion: Separating Myth from Reality
Tartaria, while a historical reality, has become intertwined with myth and speculation. The Tartarian Empire theory, despite its popularity, lacks credible evidence and distorts historical facts. It is crucial to approach such theories with skepticism and to rely on verified sources and scholarly research when exploring historical topics.
By separating the myths from the realities, we can gain a deeper understanding of Tartaria’s true place in history. It was a vast and diverse region, shaped by nomadic cultures, trade routes, and interactions with neighboring empires. While not a lost civilization with advanced technology, Tartaria played a significant role in the history of Asia and deserves to be studied and understood within its proper historical context.
The Tartarian Empire theory highlights a broader trend in the digital age: the rise of pseudohistorical narratives and the spread of misinformation online. The accessibility of information on the internet, while empowering, also presents challenges in discerning credible sources from fabricated ones. The Tartarian Empire theory, with its compelling visuals and alternative history, can easily mislead those who lack the critical thinking skills or historical knowledge to evaluate its claims.
This phenomenon is not limited to obscure historical topics like Tartaria. It can be seen in various online communities and social media platforms, where misinformation about historical events, figures, and civilizations is often presented as fact. This underscores the need for media literacy and critical thinking education, especially in the digital age, to equip individuals with the tools to navigate the complex information landscape and separate fact from fiction.