An archaeologist who is looking for the cities of Tartary

The term "Tartary" historically referred to a vast region of Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe, encompassing areas inhabited by Turkic peoples, Mongols, and other groups. This term was often applied loosely on European maps and in documents from the Middle Ages through the 19th century, and it is not a single defined place or civilization. If an archaeologist is looking for the "cities of Tartary," they would likely focus on several key regions and historical sites that represent the cultures and civilizations from the area historically referred to as Tartary. These could include: 1. **Mongol Empire Sites**: Areas that were part of the historic Mongol Empire, such as Karakorum (the Mongol capital) and various burial sites of Mongolian khans. 2. **Silk Road Cities**: Important trading hubs along the Silk Road, including cities like Samarkand and Bukhara in present-day Uzbekistan. These cities were vital in the exchange of goods and culture between the East and West. 3. **Chagatai Khanate**: The region that was part of the Mongol Empire and later the Chagatai Khanate, with cities like Kashgar and further exploration into the Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains. 4. **Russian Expansion**: The areas of Siberia and parts of the Russian Far East that were historically categorized under Tartary prior to Russian expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries. 5. **Cuman, Kipchak, and Other Nomadic Tribes**: Studying archaeological sites related to the nomadic tribes that roamed the steppes, which were often labeled as Tartars by Europeans. The archaeologist's approach would likely involve a combination of fieldwork, studying artifacts, and examining historical texts and maps that provide insights into the culture, trade, and history of the peoples in these regions. The search could uncover remnants of cities, trade routes, and cultural exchanges that have shaped Central Asia's rich history.