A Pioneering Voyage to the Court of the Great Khan
John of Plano Carpini, also known as Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, was a Franciscan friar and one of the first Europeans to reach the court of the Great Khan, Güyük Khan, in the 13th century. His daring journey is not only a testament to the spirit of adventure and religious zeal of the time but also offers invaluable insights into the historical and cultural landscape of the Mongol Empire. This blog post will delve into the life of John of Plano Carpini, his mission to the East, and the significance of his travels.
Early Life and Religious Calling
John of Plano Carpini was born in 1185 in the Italian city of Perugia. He joined the Franciscan Order at a young age and was well-educated in theology and the Latin language. His profound dedication to his faith led him to become a respected member of the religious community.
The Papal Mission
In 1245, Pope Innocent IV sent John of Plano Carpini as part of a diplomatic mission to the Mongol Empire. The Pope’s intentions were multifaceted: to gather information about the Mongols, to establish religious and political ties, and to potentially convert the Great Khan to Christianity. This was a critical period in history when the Mongols, under the leadership of Güyük Khan, were expanding their empire and had already made significant inroads into Europe, sparking fear and fascination among the European populace.
The Journey to the Court of Kublai Khan
John’s journey was fraught with peril and hardship. He set out with a small group of companions, including fellow Franciscan friar Benedict the Pole, and traversed vast distances through uncharted territories. The group traveled approximately 5,000 miles across the steppes of Asia, facing harsh climates, treacherous terrains, and encountering various cultures along the Silk Road. The journey took them through the lands of the Rus’, the Cumans, the Volga Bulghars, and the Kipchaks before they reached the court of Batu Khan, the founder of the Golden Horde.
From there, they continued eastward to the court of the Great Khan, Güyük Khan, in present-day Mongolia. The route they took is a testament to their endurance and navigational skills, as they braved the harsh winters of Siberia and the Gobi Desert, facing challenges such as starvation, thirst, and hostile encounters with local inhabitants and soldiers.
At the Court of Kublai Khan
In 1246, upon their arrival, John and his companions received an audience with Güyük Khan. They bore the letter ‘Cum non solum’ from Pope Innocent IV to the Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, imploring him to cease hostilities against Europe in God’s name. Although their intentions were peaceful, they encountered initial suspicion and hostility.
Güyük’s council declined the Pope’s invitation, demanding that the Pope and European rulers submit to their authority. However, the message was not received by the Pope until 1248, by which time circumstances had significantly altered. The Mongol Empire faced a succession crisis after Güyük’s death, and European forces had successfully stopped their westward advance at the Battle of Liegnitz in 1241. Consequently, the letter had minimal immediate effect on the political landscape of the era.
“You must say with a sincere heart: “We will be your subjects; we will give you our strength”. You must in person come with your kings, all together, without exception, to render us service and pay us homage. Only then will we acknowledge your submission. And if you do not follow the order of God, and go against our orders, we will know you as our enemy.”
Letter from Güyük to Pope Innocent IV, 1246
During his stay at the court, John of Plano Carpini had the opportunity to witness the grandeur and complexity of the Mongol Empire. He described the grandeur of the Great Khan’s court, the sophistication of Mongol governance, and the religious tolerance that prevailed under the Great Khan’s rule. His observations provide a rare and valuable account of the Mongolian way of life, including their military tactics, legal system, and social structures.
Significance of John of Plano Carpini’s Travels
John of Plano Carpini’s voyage to the Mongol Empire was significant for several reasons:
- Diplomatic and Political Impact: His mission helped to establish the first direct contact between the Papacy and the Mongol rulers, which had important implications for future diplomatic relations and the spread of Christianity in Asia.
- Cultural Exchange: John’s descriptions of the Mongol way of life, their religious practices, and their social customs contributed to the broader understanding of the East in the West. His writings, including his “History of the Mongols,” served as a bridge between two distant and largely unfamiliar cultures.
- Historical Record: John’s account of his travels is one of the earliest and most detailed descriptions of the Mongol Empire by a European. His observations offer historians a unique perspective on the Mongol culture and their interactions with the West.
- Religious Outreach: Although John’s primary goal of converting Güyük Khan to Christianity was not achieved, his journey and subsequent writings helped to spread knowledge about the Mongols among European scholars and religious leaders, which in turn influenced future missions and the spread of Christianity in Asia.
Conclusion
John of Plano Carpini’s journey to the court of Güyük Khan is a remarkable tale of courage, perseverance, and cultural exchange. His travels not only broadened the geographic and cultural horizons of Europe but also played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the 13th century. Through his eyes, we gain a glimpse into the opulence and power of the Mongol Empire, as well as the complexities of medieval diplomacy and religious fervor. His legacy as an explorer and historian has ensured that his story remains an essential chapter in the annals of world history.
Sources:
- “The Travels of Marco Polo” by Marco Polo and Rustichello da Pisa (includes John of Plano Carpini’s account)
- “The Mission of Friar John of Plano Carpini to the Court of Kublai-Khan” by John of Plano Carpini, translated by C.R. Beazley.
- “The Mongols and the West, 1221-1410” by Peter Jackson.
- “The Secret History of the Mongols” translated by Igor de Rachewiltz.
- “Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World” by Jack Weatherford.
- “The History of the Mongol Conquests” by J. J. Saunders.
- “The Middle Ages: A Very Short Introduction” by Miri Rubin.
- “The Age of the Crusades: The Near East from the Eleventh Century to 1517” by Jonathan Riley-Smith.
- “The Travels of John of Plano Carpini” by John of Plano Carpini, translated by H. Yule and H. Cordier.
