The Mongol Capital of the Rouran Empire

A depiction of Mumocheng as I imagine it, made with AI-assisted tools. Mumocheng is said to have been the capital of the Rouran Khaganate (402–552 AD) during the rule of Anagui Khagan (520–552 AD). It was probably located in the eastern part of Mongolia. It is further said that it was "encircled with two walls constructed by Liang shu." The Rouran controlled trade routes, and thus had access to much sought-after items and skilled workers, from both the east and the west. While there is no information about monuments built by the Rouran, we know that they had doctors, artisans and weavers sent to them from China.

Anagui, the putative builder of the city, revolutionized the Rouran Khaganate by adopting many aspects of the culture and administration of the classical Chinese states. He elected officials at his court in the Chinese manner, formed a unit of bodyguards (chamberlains, secretaries), and surrounded himself with advisers trained in the tradition of Chinese bibliophile.

When Bumin of the Turkic Ashina tribal federation revolted against the Rouran, Anagui committed s*icide and the Rouran Khagante quickly collapsed. Mumocheng was abandoned and forgotten.