The Tartaria/mudflood conspiracy theories originated primarily in Russia during the mid-20th century, with significant contributions from pseudoscientific and nationalist movements. The concept began to take shape in the 1970s and 1980s through the works of figures like Anatoly Fomenko, who proposed a controversial new chronology that suggested historical timelines had been falsified. This idea was further popularized by Nikolai Levashov, who infused elements of racial occult history into the narrative, framing Tartaria as a lost civilization that had been deliberately erased from history.
Historically, “Tartary” referred to a vast region in Central Asia and Siberia, encompassing areas that are now part of modern-day Mongolia, China, and parts of Russia. The term was used by Western Europeans and Russians to describe these regions and their inhabitants, often with connotations of barbarism. By the 1800s, some Russian nationalists began to view their country as a successor to this so-called empire, claiming it held rightful ownership over its lands and resources.
The modern iteration of the conspiracy theory gained traction around 2016 on various internet platforms. It detached itself from its original Russian nationalist context and evolved into a broader global phenomenon. Proponents argue that many historical buildings—such as those constructed during the Gilded Age—were actually remnants of this advanced Tartarian civilization. They claim that events like World War I and II contributed to the destruction and subsequent erasure of Tartarian history.
A key element of this conspiracy is the notion of a “mud flood,” which theorists assert buried much of this civilization’s architecture beneath layers of mud or debris. This idea is often supported by observations of architectural features such as windows or doors appearing below ground level in older buildings.
Sources and Discussions:
- ExplorersWeb Article on Tartarian Empire
- YouTube: Intro to Tartarian Empire
- YouTube: The Great Mud Flood Theory
- YouTube: Analysis of "Tartarian" Architecture
- Bloomberg: Inside Architecture’s Wildest Conspiracy
- The Spinoff: Rise of the Tartaria Theory
- Skeptoid: Debunking Tartaria
- Reddit: BadHistory Discussion
- Reddit: Mega Empire Analysis
- HBomberGuy Subreddit Discussion
- Messy Nessy Chic: Entertaining the Theory
- Reddit: Debunk Request
- Reddit: Meme Commentary
🧠 What is Confirmation Bias?
Confirmation bias is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals tend to favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while disregarding or minimizing evidence that contradicts those beliefs. This bias can manifest in various ways, including selective exposure to information, interpretation of ambiguous evidence in a way that supports existing views, and the memory recall of information that aligns with one’s beliefs.
Examples of Confirmation Bias in Tartaria/Mudflood Conspiracy Theories:
Selective Evidence Gathering: Advocates may focus exclusively on historical photographs or architectural styles they believe support the existence of Tartaria while ignoring substantial historical records or archaeological findings that contradict their claims. For instance, they might highlight images of grand buildings with unusual designs as “Tartarian architecture” but dismiss similar structures worldwide as mere coincidences or products of different cultures.
Misinterpretation of Historical Events: When discussing events like the Great Chicago Fire or other urban disasters, proponents may argue these were cover-ups for mudfloods rather than acknowledging them as well-documented historical incidents. They reinterpret these events to fit their narrative without considering the broader context provided by historians.
Echo Chambers: Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Tartaria theories often reinforce confirmation bias by creating echo chambers where only supportive viewpoints are shared. Members may share articles, videos, or memes that align with their beliefs while dismissing any critical analysis or opposing viewpoints as “mainstream propaganda” or “disinformation.”
Citing Anecdotal Evidence: Supporters frequently rely on personal anecdotes or unverified claims to bolster their arguments about Tartaria and mudfloods. For example, someone might claim they found “evidence” in their local area—such as buried structures—that they interpret as proof of a mudflood event without scientific validation.
Ignoring Counterarguments: When faced with credible counterarguments—such as explanations from historians about architectural styles being influenced by various cultural exchanges—believers may simply ignore these points or label them as part of a larger conspiracy to suppress the truth about Tartaria.
In summary, confirmation bias plays a significant role in how proponents of the Tartaria/mudflood conspiracy interpret evidence and engage with opposing views. Their tendency to seek out confirming information while disregarding contradictory evidence illustrates how deeply entrenched beliefs can shape perceptions and understanding of historical narratives.
The common tendencies observed within Tartaria/mudflood conspiracy theorists and religious fanatics reflect broader psychological phenomena related to belief formation and maintenance in the face of contradictory evidence. Understanding these tendencies can provide insight into why such theories persist despite lacking credible support from established historical scholarship.
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