Why don't historians search and dig up the cities of Tartary?

The term "Tartary" historically referred to a vast and often nebulous area of Central and Northern Asia, including parts of Siberia and the Mongolian steppes. It was used in Western literature and maps from the Middle Ages through the 18th century, primarily to describe territories inhabited by various nomadic peoples, including Mongols and Turks. As such, "Tartary" itself is not a specific city or civilization but rather a general label for a region. There are several reasons why historians and archaeologists might not specifically seek out the "cities of Tartary": 1. **Vagueness of the Term**: "Tartary" encompasses a wide area with numerous different peoples, cultures, and histories. The term is largely archaic and does not correspond to specific archaeological sites or cities. 2. **Nomadic Cultures**: Many groups referred to as Tartars were nomadic, moving with the seasons and not creating permanent urban centers. Therefore, traditional archaeological excavation methods may not apply to these cultures, which did not build cities in the same way that sedentary civilizations did. 3. **Modern Political Boundaries**: The regions once referred to as Tartary now fall under several modern states, including Russia, Mongolia, and China. Modern political considerations and regulations might complicate archaeological work in these areas. 4. **Historical Interest**: Historians and archaeologists tend to focus on areas and sites that have rich and documented histories or that show significant potential for discovering new information. The history of the peoples in "Tartary" may not have the same level of interest or available resources as other ancient civilizations. 5. **Scarcity of Written Records**: The peoples associated with Tartary often left limited written records, which makes it challenging to identify where to excavate and what to look for. That said, there is ongoing archaeological research in parts of Central Asia and Siberia that explores the histories of the peoples who lived in these regions, including their cultures, trade routes, and interactions with other civilizations.