The Perception of Mongol Political Culture in 14th-Century Venetian Sources, 1333–1394

This paper explores the portrayal of Mongol political culture in 14th-century Venetian sources. Venice, a significant trading power with extensive networks across Eurasia, provides a unique perspective on the Mongol Empire during its fragmentation into successor states. By analyzing Venetian travel accounts, diplomatic records, and notarial deeds, the paper examines how Venetian observers understood Mongol political structures, leadership styles, and legal systems. It investigates how Venetian perceptions were shaped by their political and economic interests, highlighting potential biases and misinterpretations. The paper argues that Venetian sources offer valuable insights into the complexities of Mongol political culture, even while acknowledging the limitations inherent in their outsider perspective. This analysis contributes to a richer understanding of the Mongol world in the 14th century, mainly through the lens of a critical European trading power.