Humboldt's Russian Expedition: Journey into the Interior of Russia

Alexander von Humboldt embarks on his 1829 Russian Expedition, invited by the Russian government to explore the vast interior of their empire. The expedition is primarily focused on assessing the mining opportunities in the Ural Mountains and investigating the potential for a platinum-based currency. Despite restrictions imposed by the Russian officials, Humboldt and his team conduct scientific studies, collect samples, and make observations along the journey. Humboldt's excursion leads to the unearthing of the first diamond deposits in Russia, and he extends his expedition to explore the Altai Mountains and visit the Caspian Sea. The journey covers over 10,000 miles in less than six months, providing valuable data for Humboldt's studies and inspiring international collaboration in geomagnetism.