Stephen of Bohemia was a Franciscan friar and a member of the Papal mission to the Mongol Empire in 1245–1247.[1][2]
Stephen set out from Lyon with John of Pian del Carpine on 16 April 1245.[1] They travelled through Bohemia to the territory of Duke Bolesław II of Silesia, where they were joined by Benedict of Poland at Wrocław.[1][2] A certain Ceslaus, also from Bohemia, is mentioned once in the Tartar Relation, but this may be the same person as Stephen.[2] Stephen fell ill not far beyond Kiev.[3] As a consequence, he was left behind in Mongol-occupied Cumania, possibly as a hostage. Ill health prevented him from ever going further. He did not visit the court of Batu, khan of the Golden Horde, or that of the Great Khan Güyük.[2]
Stephen seems to have been picked up by the mission on its return. He was used as a source by the author of the Tartar Relation.[4]
- ^ a b c Phillips 2014, p. 28.
- ^ a b c d Czarnowus 2014, pp. 487–488.
- ^ Michetti 2001.
- ^ Ruotsala 2002, pp. 41–42.