biography
pronunciation:
[raban sowma]
| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (c.1225–c.1300)
|
| biography:
| The first Chinese known to have visited Europe, born in Beijing, China. A Nestorian Christian, he was sent (fruitlessly) by the Mongol court via Baghdad and Trebizond to establish an anti-Arab alliance with Europe. He met the emperor in Byzantium, and the Pope in Rome. At Naples he watched a naval battle, and saw Vesuvius erupt. In Paris he met Philip IV, and at Bordeaux gave communion to Edward I of England. He kept a record of his many experiences. |
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