ISSUES OF PLANIGRAPHY OF THE KHIRKHIRA CITY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

The Mongol power was the largest empire in pre-industrial history. The Mongols were nomads, but as they conquered settled countries they began to build large cities. Their capitals amazed travelers and traders from agrarian states. Cities with and without ramparts, large fortless settlements, individual homesteads and country palaces were built. The author discusses three cities of Mongol imperial history without fortifi cation. It examines the planigraphy of the Khirkhira city (Transbaikalia) in comparison with two other famous cities of the Mongol Empire – Avarga (Eastern Mongolia) and Khar Khul Khaany Balgas (Central Mongolia). Also the typical features such as the absence of city walls, the location of the ruler's residence in the south, the construction of the city to the left, right and behind (north) of the palace, the homestead planning, and the seasonal presence of the elite were highlighted.