Podcast Summary: "The Colossal Reach of the Tartarian Empire"

Conspiracy Theories by Spotify Studios delves into one of the internet's more recent and expansive conspiracy theories: the Tartarian Empire. In the episode titled "The Colossal Reach of the Tartarian Empire," host Carter Roy explores the origins, claims, and growing popularity of this theory, while bringing in expert insights from journalist and design critic Zach Mortiz.

1. Introduction to the Tartarian Empire Theory

The episode opens with a vivid recounting of the demolition of New York City's Old Penn Station in 1963. Carter Roy sets the stage by questioning the official narrative of the station's destruction, suggesting there might be deeper, concealed motives behind such actions.

Carter Roy [00:03]:
"But what if there's more to this story than just logistics and capitalism? Perhaps the demolition of Penn Station wasn't just about making the commute more efficient or about freeing up space for a new skyscraper."

Roy introduces the Tartarian Empire theory, which posits that a technologically advanced, ancient society called Tartaria was responsible for constructing many of the world's most remarkable structures. The theory further claims that global powers have systematically erased Tartarian history.

2. Origins and Claims of the Theory

Carter Roy [03:37]:
"Tartaria, or Tartary, is an outdated name for a real place that once existed. The vast area appears on the 18th-century European maps in what is currently Russia, China, and other parts of Eastern Europe and Asia."

The theory suggests that Tartaria was not a single organized country but a hub of various nomadic tribes with advanced technological capabilities. Proponents argue that numerous grand architectural feats worldwide, from ancient pyramids to early 20th-century buildings like Penn Station, were crafted by Tartarians. A key characteristic of Tartarian architecture is its grand scale and ornate details, such as domes and spires.

3. Arguments and Evidence Presented by Theorists

a. Architecture and Construction

Theorists spotlight the juxtaposition of grand buildings and their seemingly incongruent construction methods. For example, the 1939 photograph of the Iowa State Capitol depicts a magnificent domed structure surrounded by basic, manual labor, which Tartarian believers interpret as evidence of advanced Tartarian technology.

Carter Roy [03:37]:
"A post on the Reddit page for Tartaria also points out that it seems weird that hugely impressive structures often have utilitarian uses like a gilded post office or a high school topped with domes."

b. Free Energy

A cornerstone of the Tartarian theory is the alleged use of free energy sources. Theorists propose that Tartarians harnessed infinite energy through methods like magnetic fields and Nikola Tesla's inventions. This abundant energy supposedly funded their architectural grandeur and global influence.

Carter Roy [11:05]:
"Based on their alleged architecture, Tartarians prioritized grandiosity. According to theorists on Reddit and YouTube, they had resources to spend on luxuries because they tapped into an infinite source of energy."

c. Mud Flood / Great Reset

A pivotal event in the theory is the "Great Reset," a global mud flood that purportedly submerged Tartarian structures, leaving only parts visible above ground. This concept is used to explain architectural anomalies like basement windows at ground level.

Carter Roy [22:03]:
"Theorists would argue that maybe the technologically advanced Tartarians built it instead... They think that free energy gave Tartarians the power to influence architecture worldwide."

Carter Roy [24:12]:
"These windows are usually half the size of a typical window and don't have an obvious use. What's the point of a window that has you eye level with the lawn?"

d. Suppression Theories

The theory further contends that modern governments and powerful entities are actively suppressing evidence of Tartaria. This includes demolishing Tartarian buildings under the guise of modernization and warfare.

Carter Roy [28:57]:
"But all of this is just speculation. I haven't come across any hard evidence of suppression like documentation of a cover-up or testimony from a whistleblower."

4. Expert Counterarguments and Analysis

Journalist Zach Mortiz provides a critical perspective on the Tartarian Empire theory, drawing from his background in architecture and cultural studies.

a. Architectural Evolution

Mortiz argues that the perceived decline in architectural grandeur is a result of economic and technological changes, not evidence of a lost empire.

Zach Mortiz [19:37]:
"To carve these intricate buildings you need a massive army of stonemasons, right? And you can generate lots of cut and carved stone in a situation where labor is relatively cheap and machines are pretty expensive, right? And that's what you had back then."

Carter Roy [20:40]:
"So that's why our buildings today are kind of minimalist and Regularized because their individual components are churned out in factories."

Mortiz emphasizes that advancements in construction technology and changes in economic priorities naturally led to more functional and less ornate buildings.

b. Free Energy Skepticism

Addressing the free energy claim, Mortiz highlights the fundamental laws of thermodynamics that contradict the possibility of creating energy from nothing with 100% efficiency.

Carter Roy [21:17]:
"Even though there's no physical evidence to support the idea of a vast, technologically advanced ancient society, it's not something we can completely rule out."

c. Mud Flood Critique

Mortiz offers practical explanations for architectural oddities cited by theorists, such as the presence of basement windows, attributing them to functional design choices rather than catastrophic events.

Zach Mortiz [24:12]:
"They had scaffolding, they had elevators. In the early 20th century, there were devices used to kind of quasi mass manufacture some kinds of ornament like terracotta, for example."

5. Popularity and Appeal of the Theory

Despite lacking substantial evidence, the Tartarian Empire theory has seen significant growth, with the Reddit community expanding from 8,700 members in 2021 to over 50,000 by the end of 2024.

Carter Roy [27:55]:
"So why is it still exploding online?"

Zach Mortiz [29:32]:
"A lot of Tartarian stuff is people just getting gassed up on how cool old buildings were. And I mean sometimes it's not even clear if they really believe that there was a world-spanning hyper-advanced empire."

The theory resonates with individuals harboring distrust towards governments and elites, especially in a climate marked by low confidence in official institutions.

Carter Roy [30:15]:
"Believing that Tartarians influenced architecture worldwide requires also believing that there is a vast conspiracy to cover up the ancient society."

6. Conclusion

While the Tartarian Empire theory captivates many with its blend of architectural fascination and conspiracy intrigue, expert analysis by Zach Mortiz underscores the lack of credible evidence supporting its claims. The theory's rise reflects broader societal sentiments of distrust and nostalgia amidst rapid modernization and change.

Carter Roy [34:22]:
"Until next time, remember, the truth isn't always the best story, and the official story isn't always the truth."

Notable Quotes

• Carter Roy [00:03]:
  "Perhaps the demolition of Penn Station wasn't just about making the commute more efficient or about freeing up space for a new skyscraper."

• Zach Mortiz [19:37]:
  "To carve these intricate buildings you need a massive army of stonemasons... that's why our buildings today are kind of minimalist and Regularized."

• Carter Roy [27:55]:
  "Something is drawing people in, but it's not an evidence-based argument."

Final Thoughts

"The Colossal Reach of the Tartarian Empire" episode of Conspiracy Theories presents an engaging exploration of a modern myth, balancing the allure of grand conspiracies with grounded expert analysis. While the Tartarian Empire remains a captivating narrative for many, critical examination reveals a lack of substantiated evidence, positioning the theory more within the realm of speculative fiction than historical fact.