Tartary, also known as Tartaria, is a historical region that encompasses parts of modern-day Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. It was once home to a number of ancient settlements and cities, many of which were documented by European travelers who visited the region in the past.

Despite the detailed reports of these cities and their populations, many of them seem to have disappeared without a trace. This has led to much speculation and debate about what happened to them and where they might have gone.

One theory is that the cities were destroyed or abandoned during the Mongol invasions of the 13th and 14th centuries. The Mongols were known for their brutal tactics and may have razed the cities to the ground, leaving no trace behind.

Another theory is that the cities were simply abandoned over time as the population dwindled or migrated to other areas. This could have been due to a number of factors, such as climate change, disease, or political instability.

Some have even suggested that the cities of Tartary were never real to begin with, but were instead the product of European imagination and myth-making. This theory is based on the fact that many of the maps and descriptions of Tartary were highly stylized and exaggerated, featuring fantastical creatures and mythical landmarks.

Regardless of what actually happened to the cities of Tartary, their legacy lives on in the imaginations of people around the world. They continue to inspire curiosity and fascination, and their mysterious disappearance remains a subject of debate and speculation to this day.