New Book "Marco Polo in Vietnam"

We are pleased to inform you about the book Marco Polo in Vietnam: Missionaries, Diplomats, and Merchants in Asian Lands written by Sandra Scagliotti and Flavio Cogo.

This book analyzes the historical ties between Italy and Vietnam, focusing on the missionaries, diplomats, and merchants who traveled through Asia. It highlights the role of Marco Polo and other important figures in building cultural and commercial ties between East and West. Through detailed historical analysis, the authors explore the Silk Road and how these interactions shaped both Vietnamese and European societies.

To understand the significance of Marco Polo’s famous journey to the East, it is essential to consider the European view of Asia at the time. The Million, the account of his journey, has fascinated readers for centuries and continues to spark curiosity. Marco Polo, or “Messer Milione,” played a key role in early mercantile exchanges along the Silk Road, which has seen renewed attention in recent years. This book also reflects on the long and growing relationship between Italy and Vietnam, especially in the year marking the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death on Jan. 8, 1324.

Lorenzo Riccardi, Managing Partner of RsA Asia, contributed to the publication with a chapter on economic relations with China.