Mapping Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire

ABSTRACT In the thirteenth century AD, city of Karakorum was founded as capital Mongol Empire. Relatively little archaeological attention, however, has been directed at site and phenomenon steppe urbanism. The authors report new magnetic topographic surveys walled surrounding landscape. resulting maps reveal in unprecedented detail. Combining topographical data with aerial photographs, pedestrian documentary sources reveals extent, layout organisation this extensive settlement. Road networks areas variable occupation density types activities deepen our understanding important commercial hub royal palace, which is conceptualised a form ‘implanted’