# Bar Sauma's embassy to Europe (1287)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1287-bar-sauma-s-embassy-to-europe
Location: Constantinople, Rome and Paris
Themes: Mission

Rabban Bar Sauma, a Church of the East monk born near Khanbaliq (Beijing), travels to Constantinople, Rome, Paris and Bordeaux as envoy of the Mongol Ilkhan Arghun, seeking an alliance against the Mamluks. In 1288 he receives communion from Pope Nicholas IV. At this point in the timeline (1287), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Honorius IV (2 April 1285 – 3 April 1287).

## Why it matters
His journey showed Western Europe how far the Church of the East reached across Asia.

Pope at the time: [Pope Honorius IV](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-honorius-iv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Rabban Bar Sauma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabban_Bar_Sauma)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Bar Sauma's embassy to Europe](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Bar+Sauma%27s+embassy+to+Europe)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)