Where was Karakorum

In the article, on the basis of historical evidence, the localization of the ancient capital of the Mongolian empire, Karakorum, is studied. A comprehensive study of the geographical objects indicated in ancient documents allows us to correlate them with the real location and the development of the situation. The evidence of the 13th century European travelers Ioann de Plano Carpini and Guillaume de Rubruc was investigated. Their routes to Karakorum have been established. Rubruk moved south of Lake Issyk-Kul, and returned along the northern side of the lake. Karpini passed south of Lake Balkhash. The opinion of researchers who compare Karakorum with the ruins near the modern Mongolian city of Kharkhorin has been refuted. The source study analysis of the works of these travelers indicates that the city of Karakorum was located in the area of the modern settlements of Fuyun — Uench (the interfluve of the upper reaches of the Urungu — Black Irtysh). The localization of the Karakorum area, which covers the mountainous rocky terrain at the foot of the Mongolian Altai, has also been determined. Analysis and comparison of sources made it possible to establish that the small homeland of the first leader of the Tatars and Moals, Genghis Khan, was located in western Mongolia. The first headquarters of the commander was in the mountains of the Mongolian Altai. This study allows archaeologists to pinpoint the location of ancient cities mentioned by travelers.