This work is dedicated to the processes of urbanization, that took place in the Lower Volga region during the Golden Horde period. Based on archaeological materials, that have appeared in recent decades, the opinion formulated in the 1960s, that before the Golden Horde era there was no developed settlement structure in the Lower Volga region and the urbanization of this area began only with the arrival of the Mongols is refuted. In the process of urbanization of the Lower Volga region, two stages are conditionally distinguished, each of which is characterized. The data on the number of archaeological objects of the preMongol period and the Golden Horde epoch are presented. Versions about the location of two capitals – Sarai and Sarai al-Jedid, the names and time of appearance of other settlements are considered.