Karakorum: Capital of the Mongol Empire
Discovery and Mapping
The ruins of Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, have long fascinated archaeologists. However, physical evidence of the city has been largely ignored in favor of written accounts by European travelers.
Now, for the first time, researchers have used advanced geophysics methods to create a detailed map of Karakorum. The findings, published in the journal Antiquity, greatly expand our knowledge of this abandoned Eurasian city.
Foundation and Significance
Genghis Khan founded Karakorum around 1220 C.E. as a camp of yurts strategically located in the Orkhon River valley. Recognizing its potential, his son and successor, Ögödei, chose Karakorum as the capital of the Mongol Empire.
Over time, Karakorum became a thriving metropolis, hosting diplomats, traders, and travelers from across the Silk Road. Chinese artisans and Muslim merchants contributed to its grandeur, constructing a lavish palace and other impressive structures.
Advanced Geophysics Mapping
Lead author Jan Bemmann and his team used a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) to survey an area of 465 hectares, creating a map of unexcavated remains below the surface. Combined with aerial photographs, historical records, and previous surveys, this data provided a detailed view of Karakorum’s density and structure.
City Layout and Features
The new map allows researchers to identify where large brick buildings once stood and where roads once cut through the terrain. Elite neighborhoods were located within the city walls, while supply settlements and production sites extended into the surrounding Orkhon River valley.
“We are not only talking about an imperial city, but about an imperial valley,” Bemmann said.
William of Rubruck’s Account
William of Rubruck, a Flemish Franciscan monk, visited Karakorum in 1254 and described its grandeur in his writings. He was particularly impressed by a great silver fountain in the shape of a tree that dispensed drinks such as wine and mare’s milk.
Mongol Influence and Legacy
The Mongols’ military might and talent for collecting skilled people from conquered territories contributed to Karakorum’s prosperity. However, they relied on their captives to advise them on city construction, as they were primarily nomadic.
Interestingly, a full 40 percent of the land within Karakorum’s city walls was left empty, perhaps reflecting the Mongols’ nomadic heritage. By the 15th century, Karakorum had been all but abandoned.
Modern Exploration and Reconstruction
The city’s precise location was rediscovered in 1889, but archaeological work has been limited. The new digital reconstruction of Karakorum, based on the geophysics map, provides a valuable tool for understanding the city’s layout and history.
“It was astonishing to witness the growing extent of the map day by day,” Bemmann said. “With every piece of the city added, our understanding grew.”
The detailed map of Karakorum offers insights into the Mongol Empire’s influence, the role of skilled captives in city construction, and the enduring legacy of this once-great capital.
