Otherworld Podcast Summary: Deep Research – Tartaria
Released on July 14, 2025

Introduction

In the July 14, 2025 episode of Otherworld, host Jack Wagner delves into the enigmatic conspiracy theory surrounding Tartaria, a purported lost civilization with advanced technology and architectural marvels. This episode is part of the "Deep Research" series, where host Jack collaborates with researcher Joshua Citarella to investigate fringe beliefs and conspiracy theories.

Overview of Tartaria Theory

The episode begins with Host Jack Wagner setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Tartaria. Tartaria, also known as Great Tartaria or the Tartarian Empire, is described as an ancient civilization that spanned the globe, characterized by grand architecture and advanced technology.

Host 2 introduces the concept at [05:32], stating:

"Tartaria is an old world civilization with advanced technology and architecture that spanned the entire globe. It was an era of peace and prosperity with abundant resources and energy, until it was wiped out by a catastrophic mud flood." [05:32]

Key Elements of the Tartaria Theory

1. Advanced Architecture and Technology

   • Guest 1 highlights the grandeur of Tartarian buildings, drawing comparisons to structures like the Singer Building and Penn Station in New York.
   • [09:22] states:

     "We were told that these were built by people that rode in horse and buggies. We're expected to believe that they built things like this with a hammer and a chisel. These people were way more advanced than we give them credit for."

2. The Mud Flood Event

   • A central claim is that a great mud flood occurred around the early 20th century, burying Tartaria and its architectural feats.
   • Guest 1 explains at [09:22]:

     "Flood that buried it in feet of mud, which was also known as the mud flood. And that is why we see so many buildings that look like they have just been buried or that have basement windows and doors."

3. Suppression of History

   • Proponents argue that modern societies have systematically destroyed evidence of Tartaria to erase its existence.
   • Host 2 adds at [17:09]:

     "What I see when I look at these Tartarian images, grand buildings next to peasants on horseback, is the extreme wealth inequality at the turn of the century."

4. Free Energy and Tesla Coils

   • The theory posits that Tartarians harnessed free energy through mechanisms resembling Tesla coils, suggesting a high level of technological prowess.
   • Guest 2 discusses the similarity between Tartarian spires and Tesla coils at [26:50]:

     "The domed resonator and the antenna. This is a motherboard. This is located inside the computer. And look what it looks like. It resembles cities. Our Earth is just a giant power grid. It's meant to distribute the free energy."

Debunking and Critical Analysis

Joshua Citarella provides a critical examination of the Tartaria theory, challenging its validity through historical context and logical inconsistencies.

1. Historical Context of Tartaria

   • Citarella clarifies that historical references to Tartaria were geographical, not indicative of a singular advanced civilization.
   • At [19:52], he addresses the purported CIA document:

     "On the 9th of August in 1944, the Central Committee of the Communist Party sitting in Moscow issued a directive order to the party's Tatar Provincial Committee to proceed with a scientific revision of the history of Tartaria."

   • He argues that this document refers to the Soviet Union's efforts to revise the history of the Tatar people, not evidence of a lost empire.

2. Architectural Analysis

   • The supposed advanced architecture is attributed to the Beaux-Arts movement, a legitimate historical architectural style.
   • Host 2 explains at [16:14]:

     "In an art historical context, much of the Tartarian architecture is what we would call Beaux Arts, from the École des Beaux-Arts in France, which translates to the School of Fine Arts."

3. Mud Flood Windows and Foundations

   • Citarella examines the claim of buildings having buried windows, attributing them to practical architectural features rather than evidence of a mud flood.
   • At [16:14], he states:

     "Curiously, these foundations also include passageways, literal holes that resemble windows and doors to install plumbing, cabling and so on."

4. Free Energy Misconceptions

   • The explanation of Tesla coils is clarified to debunk the notion that they can generate free energy.
   • At [26:50], he elaborates:

     "Tesla coils merely dispense energy from another source. They can wirelessly transmit the energy from the coil to the light bulb, but the coils themselves need to be plugged in."

5. Old Maps and Geographic Misinterpretations

   • The term "Tartaria" on old maps is a reflection of historical European geographical nomenclature, not evidence of a lost empire.
   • Citarella clarifies at [40:03]:

     "Tartaria is the European name for the region, the geographic area, but not a political body or a certain kingdom. It's like saying South America as opposed to Brazil."

Comparison with Other Conspiracy Theories

The episode draws parallels between Tartaria and other fringe theories, such as Anatoly Fomenko's New Chronology, which attempts to rewrite historical timelines based on astronomical calculations. Citarella critiques Fomenko’s work, emphasizing its lack of credible evidence and its ideological motivations.

At [40:03], he discusses Fomenko's perspective:

"Dr. Fomenko proves that official Russian history is a blatant forgery concocted by a host of German scholars brought to Russia by the Usurper dynasty of the Romanovski."

The Appeal of Tartaria

Despite the lack of credible evidence, Citarella acknowledges the psychological appeal of the Tartaria narrative. He suggests that societal issues, such as economic downturns and class disparities, make the utopian vision of a lost advanced civilization particularly resonant.

At [38:00], he reflects:

"In today's society, many of us are downwardly mobile. The idea that we are living in the ruins of a great society from before is kind of true. That story resonates with a lot of us."

Conclusion

Joshua Citarella concludes the episode by reiterating his skepticism toward the Tartaria theory. He emphasizes the importance of addressing real societal challenges rather than diverting attention to unfounded conspiracies. Citarella advocates for focusing on tangible issues like spirituality, self-fulfillment, and the deeper mysteries of human consciousness.

At [46:00], he summarizes:

"The only real solution to all of this is to fix the external circumstances and address the real crises in society. And once those problems are solved, the number of people who believe in conspiracies all of a sudden goes way down."

Notable Quotes

• Guest 1 on advanced Tartarian architecture:
  "These people were way more advanced than we give them credit for." [09:22]

• Guest 2 on giants and architectural features:
  "These entrances were made for certain beings. Giants for the most part." [16:14]

• Joshua Citarella on the CIA document misinterpretation:
  "The CIA has nothing to do with Tartaria under Stalin in 1944." [20:45]

• Host 2 on architectural styles:
  "These are just beautiful exteriors and interiors." [12:21]

• Joshua Citarella on the psychology behind the theory:
  "Antiquatech as a concept really appeals to people because this idea of further progress into the future, more prosperity, the abundant and optimistic future that we were taught to expect, all of that seems very improbable today." [39:12]

This episode of Otherworld offers a comprehensive examination of the Tartaria conspiracy theory, presenting both the claims of its proponents and the critical analysis challenging its validity. Through thoughtful discussion and research, host Jack Wagner and Joshua Citarella provide listeners with a balanced perspective on one of the internet's most intriguing fringe theories.