A 14th-century Venetian parchment, long thought lost for over 70 years, has been restored by researchers from the University of Warwick.
The document offers a rare glimpse into trade routes connecting Europe and Asia in the decades following Marco Polo’s death.
Professor Luca Mola, Director of the Warwick Venice Centre, described the parchment as a “unique window into the active trade routes that brought east and west together” during the 13th to 15th centuries.
The parchment, now housed in the Venice State Archives, documents the travels and commercial ventures of six Venetian nobles. After returning from China, they embarked on a journey to the Sultanate of Delhi in 1338. The university highlighted the significance of this find, noting it as the earliest evidence of the mechanical clock, a major European invention of the time, being introduced to Asia.
Professor Mola, who rediscovered the document, expressed excitement about analysing its rich testimony of Europe-Asia connections. “It enriches our understanding of a period when cross-continental exchanges of goods and know-how brought reciprocal benefits,” he said.
The restoration was carried out by Luana Franceschet, a professional restorer. Once repaired, the parchment was displayed at the Venice State Archives. Professor Andrea Erboso, director of the archives, remarked on the broader significance of the find: “By restoring this parchment and taking Marco Polo as a starting point, we significantly expand our perspective.”
The document also provides insights into how 14th-century explorative expeditions were funded. Small-scale contributions, resembling modern crowdfunding, played a crucial role. Notably, both men and women participated in financing these ventures.
This rediscovered parchment promises to serve as a foundation for further research into the vibrant trade networks that linked Europe and Asia during the late Middle Ages.
