Cathay

Empire of the Great Khan (Catayo) according to the Catalan Atlas (1375)

Catalan Atlas, Flag of Cathay (Chinese Empire)

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Cathay is a term used in the English language to refer to China, particularly during the Medieval period and into the Renaissance. The name is derived from "Khitan" (Qidan), a nomadic people who founded the Liao Dynasty in the region that is now Mongolia and Northeast China. Over time, the term "Cathay" came to be associated more broadly with China, especially in the accounts of travelers and merchants along the Silk Road.

Etymology

The word "Cathay" comes from the Khitan people, who played a significant role in the history of Northern China from the 10th to the 12th century. The name was likely introduced to Europe through Persian and then Russian, eventually becoming "Cathay" in English. The transition of the name reflects the long and complex history of cultural and commercial exchanges between the East and West, particularly through the Silk Road.

Historical Context

During the Middle Ages, European knowledge of Asia was limited and often based on the accounts of travelers such as Marco Polo. Polo's descriptions of his travels to the court of Kublai Khan, the ruler of the Yuan Dynasty, introduced many Europeans to the wealth and splendor of Cathay. His accounts, though sometimes embellished, played a significant role in shaping European perceptions of Asia.

The term "Cathay" was commonly used in Europe until the 17th century when the Jesuit missionaries in China and the increasing accuracy of geographical knowledge led to the use of more precise names for the country. However, "Cathay" remained in use in some contexts, such as in poetry and literature, where it evoked an exotic and distant land.

Cathay in Literature and Maps

In literature, Cathay represented a land of marvels, rich in gold, spices, and precious goods, often depicted in the works of poets and writers. It was a symbol of the mysterious East, a place of endless fascination for Europeans who dreamed of exploration and adventure.

On maps, Cathay was often depicted as a vast and rich kingdom in the far east, beyond the Islamic empires and the great deserts of Central Asia. These maps, based on the accounts of travelers and the limited knowledge of the time, contributed to the myth of Cathay as a land of wonders.

Modern Usage

Today, the term "Cathay" is less commonly used but can still be found in historical texts, literature, and the names of businesses and organizations that wish to evoke an air of the exotic and the luxurious. It serves as a reminder of the time when Asia was a distant and mysterious continent to Europeans, full of unknown wonders and opportunities for adventure.

See Also

• Silk Road
• Marco Polo
• Liao Dynasty
• Yuan Dynasty
• China
• Khitan people