Lecture Rabban Sauma: the reverse Marco Polo and China's discovery of the West by Tjalling Halbertsma

During the Arts Festival Prof. dr. Tjalling Halbertsma will give a lecture titled Rabban Sauma: the reverse Marco Polo and China's discovery of the West.

Towards the end of the thirteenth century, an Asian contemporary of Marco Polo traveled from today’s Beijing to medieval Rome and Paris. Rabban Sauma, as this extraordinary traveler was named, started his journey as a monk to become an envoy and diplomat between East and West. Disembarking at the great harbor of Naples in 1287, Rabban Sauma recorded his extraordinary journey and meetings with the kings and rulers of Europe in a colorful travelogue. His journey and account provide us with a refreshing perspective and novel worldview: that of the East looking West. Rabban Sauma’s achievements also raise pertinent questions about the Eurasian continent. Who was this reverse Marco Polo? Why was his monumental journey from Asia to Europe so quickly forgotten? And how can it help us understand the world today?

14:45 - 15:00 (EN), Room 3

15:15 - 15:30 (NL), Room 4

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The Arts Festival

This lecture is part of the Arts Festival. During this festive afternoon the Harmonie Building and the surrounding squares will be transformed into a scientific festival site with about 60 different activities, live music, food trucks, and an outdoor bar. The doors will be opened to anyone who is curious about the diverse, dynamic, and innovative world of the research done at the Faculty of Arts. You are very welcome at the Arts Festival, together with your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues! Admission is free and registration is not required.