University of Warwick Team Restores Ancient Venetian Record

A 14th-century Venetian parchment has been restored by a team from the University of Warwick. The document, which had been considered lost for over 70 years, chronicles the activities of merchants who followed Marco Polo’s path into Asia in the decade after his death. Professor Luca Mola, Director at the Warwick Venice Centre, characterized it as a “unique window into the active trade routes that brought east and west together” between the 13th and 15th centuries. The university indicated that the parchment also represents the earliest evidence that the mechanical clock, a significant new European invention of the period, was introduced to Asia. The document details the journeys, investments, and commercial ventures of six Venetian nobles who returned from China before departing for the Sultanate of Delhi in 1338. Professor Mola, who rediscovered the document, remarked that it had been “exciting to analyse in detail such a rich testimony of the connections between Europe and Asia taking place.” Luana Franceschet, a professional restorer, was engaged for the restoration. The repaired parchment was subsequently put on display at the Venice State Archives. Professor Andrea Erboso, director of the archives, stated: “Through taking Marco Polo as a starting point and restoring this particular parchment, we enlarge our point of view significantly.” Professor Mola suggested it would serve as a foundation for further research and would “enrich our knowledge of a period in history when cross-continental connections were based on the exchange of goods and know-how, with reciprocal benefits.” The university noted that the document provides insight into “how explorative expeditions were financed in the 14th century by small donations, an early version of crowd-source funding.” It also demonstrates that both women and men contributed donations. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.