Sarai: Lost capital of the Golden Horde in Russia

February 15, 2026

IndiaGeneral

Temple

Source: 5 Ancient Lost Cities Archaeologists Are Looking For by Inside Archaeology

Site mentioned

📍 Sarai🗺️ More sites in IN 🌍 Show on the globe

Sarai served as the Golden Horde's capital from the 1250s–1480s, founded near the Volga. At its peak, ~600,000 people lived there. Grand Princes of Moscow helped destroy it after the Crimean Khanate's siege in 1481. The Selenino excavations since 1959 may be New Sarai, but Old Sarai's location remains unknown 🏰

Key facts

Sarai was the capital of the Golden Horde from the 1240s until 1502
Founded as seasonal residence by Batu Khan near the lower Volga River in the 1250s
At its peak, population reached approximately 75,000
Two capitals existed: Old Sarai and New Sarai (founded 125km upstream in 1330s)
Destroyed and burned down by Grand Princes of Moscow in 1502
Local residents reused mud bricks, effectively erasing the site
Over 100 Mongol-era settlements along lower Volga complicate identification
Selenino site excavated since 1959; may be New Sarai from 1320s-30s based on coinage
Old Sarai location remains unknown