The History of the Christian Church

This is the last of a dozen episodes on Rabban Sauma. Having met with all the dignitaries his embassy on Arghun’s behalf required, Sauma was anxious to return home. The delay caused by the Roman Cardinals failure to appoint a new Pope had lengthened his stay beyond what he’d anticipated. Although no record of it is given, Arghun may have urged Sauma to return by a specific date. So he packed up a…

This is the 11th episode in the story of Rabban Sauma, and we’re closing in on the conclusion. After a month-long tour of the holy sites in and around Paris, Sauma had a final audience with King Philip. He meant it to be the crowning achievement in the royal treatment he’d lavished on the Chinese ambassador. It was held in the upper chapel of Saint-Chapelle where the just completed stained glass …