Monks of Kublai Khan, Emperor of China Medieval Travels from China through Central Asia to Persia and Beyond

by Sauma, Rabban; Morgan, David; Budge, Sir E. A. Wallis

• ISBN13: 9781780764535
• ISBN10: 1780764537
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2014-02-27
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris

Summary

Towards the end of the thirteenth century the Nestorian monk, Raban Sauma, together with his disciple Mark, began a journey from Mongol'controlled China to Jerusalem. Though they never reached their destination, due to military unrest, they did reach Baghdad, where Raban Sauma spent many years before later becaming Ilkhanid ambassador to Europe. His disciple, Mark, became the Nestorian Catholicus. Sauma's account of his travels provides unique information on both the Ilkhans of Persia and their dealings with the Mongol Christians as well as the events that led to the downfall of the Nestorian church in China. Sauma met with the Pope and with many of the European monarchs and his account further provides a unique picture of Medieval Europe through Asian eyes. Translated by Sir E. A. Wallis Budge, who also included a substantial introduction, the work is now rare. This edition contains a new introduction from David Morgan, the leading scholar of the Mongol period.

Author Biography

Rabban Sauma was a 13th century Nestorian monk who undertook a pilgrimage from Mongol China to Jerusalem. He spent many years in Baghdad and became Ilkhanid Ambassador to Europe, meeting many of the European monarchs of the day. His travels give a unique picture of medieval Europe from an Eastern perspective.David Morgan is Professor Emeritus, Department of History, University of Wisconsin-Madison. His book, The Mongols (2007), is widely regarded as the standard work.

Table of Contents

Introduction Preface * Introduction by Sir E. A. Wallis Budge * Appendix A to Introduction * Appendix B to Introduction * The history of Rabban Sawma * The history of Mar Yahbh-Allaha, the Catholicus and Patriarch of the East * Rabban Sawma and Rabban Markos wish to go to Jerusalem * Rabban Mark is ordained Metropolitan, and is called Mar Yahbh-Allaha, and Rabban Sawma becomes Visitor-General * Yahbh-Allaha is elected Patriarch * The false accusations which Mar Yahbh suffered in the days of Ahad the king * On the departure of Rabban Sawma to the country of the Romans in the name of King Arghon and of the Catholicus Mar Yahbh-Allaha: The journey of Rabban Sawma; Rabban Sawma in Byzantium; Rabban Sawma in Italy and in great Rome; The belief of Rabban Sawma, which the Cardinals demanded from him; Rabban Sawma in Fransa or Frangistan; Rabban Sawma goes to the King of England [Edward 1]; Rabban Sawma returns to Rome; Thge return of Rabban Sawma from Rome and from Mar Papa the Catholicus Patriarch of the Romans and of all westerns * The good acts of King Arghon, and his death * King Kaikhato and Mar Yahbh-Allaha * The death of Rabban Sawma and of the kings Kaikhato and Baidu * The persecution of Mar Yahbh-Allaha and the Christians in Maraghah * King Kazan pays honour to Mar Yahbh-Allaha * Further pillage and murder in Maraghah * Rebellions and fighting in the fortress of Arbil * Mar Yahbh-Allaha flourishes and finishes building the monastery of Maraghah * The love of King Kazan for Mar Yahbh-Allaha, and his death * King Uljaito and Mar Yahbh-Allaha * The massacre of the Christians at Arbil * The death of Mar Yahbh-Allaha * Bibliography * Notes