700 Years of Marco Polo: Bridging Italy and China

Please register for catering purposes by clicking HERE.

700 years ago, the merchant and explorer Marco Polo died in his native Venice. Polo’s travel diaries, recounted orally while imprisoned in Genova, were the first extensive European account of China, inspiring generations of later travellers in the Age of Exploration and heralding the conspicuous role of Italians in bridging China and the West up until the present day.

To celebrate this anniversary, the Dante Alighieri Society, in collaboration with the University of Sydney, proudly presents an enlightening evening exploring the enduring legacy of Marco Polo and his impact on East-West relations. This multifaceted event, bringing together distinguished speakers, musical performances and literary readings, will highlight the rich cultural exchanges between China and Italy. 

Giorgia Alù, Chair of the Italian Department, will officially open the event with a warm welcome and introductory remarks. The programme features an impressive lineup of speakers who will shed light on various aspects of Marco Polo's influence across centuries and continents. Dr Josto Luzzu will kick off the presentations by exploring why Marco Polo remains relevant in today's world. Following this, Dr Yu Sang will offer insights into how Marco Polo's legacy is interpreted in contemporary China. Dr Daniel Canaris will then discuss Marco Polo's role in the Age of Discovery, while Professor Adrian Vickers will conclude the presentations with a look at Marco Polo's impact on Southeast Asia.

Interspersed throughout the evening, there will be musical interludes performed by Shurui Liang on the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument, and Josto Luzzu on the Hang, a melodic drum.

Students from both the Italian and Chinese departments will offer fresh perspectives on topics ranging from the historical context of Polo in medieval Venice to his influence on shaping China's global image. These young scholars will delve into East-West comparisons in Polo's writings, explore his cultural memory through the centuries, and even debate his reliability as a historian of Yuan dynasty China. 

Doors will open at 5:00 PM, welcoming guests with refreshments to set a convivial tone for the evening. The event will conclude with a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity for networking until 7:30 PM. This will be your chance to engage directly with our speakers and fellow attendees, fostering discussions.

This unique event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Marco Polo and its enduring relevance in today’s global context. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an evening where history, culture and scholarship converge, brought to you by the combined efforts of the Dante Alighieri Society and the University of Sydney!

Date and time: 24 October 2024; 5-7 pm 

Place: A20 John Woolley Building, Woolley Common Room N480 (University of Sydney)