Jesuit In The Forbidden City: Matteo Ricci, 1552-1610

A Jesuit in the Forbidden City: Matteo Ricci 1552-1610

by R. Po-chia Hsia

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2545 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	376 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Matteo Ricci was an Italian Jesuit missionary who spent 28 years in the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming dynasty emperors in Beijing, China. He was the first Westerner to gain the trust of the Chinese court, and his work had a profound influence on Chinese history and culture.

Ricci was born in Macerata, Italy, in 1552. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1571 and was ordained a priest in 1578. In 1582, he was sent to Macau, a Portuguese colony on the coast of China.

In 1583, Ricci traveled to Zhaoqing, a city in southern China, where he began to study Chinese language and culture. He quickly adopted Chinese customs and dress, and he took the Chinese name Li Madou.

In 1595, Ricci was invited to Beijing by the Ming emperor Wanli. He spent the next 28 years in the Forbidden City, where he served as an advisor to the emperor and his court.

Ricci was a brilliant scholar and a gifted scientist. He introduced Western science and technology to China, including the telescope, the astrolabe, and the Gregorian calendar. He also wrote extensively about Chinese culture and history, and his works helped to shape Western understanding of China.

Ricci's work had a profound impact on China. He helped to introduce Western ideas and culture to China, and he played a key role in the development of Chinese Catholicism. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Sino-Western relations.

Early Life and Education

Matteo Ricci was born in Macerata, Italy, on October 6, 1552. His father, Giovanni Battista Ricci, was a lawyer, and his mother, Caterina Brandani, was the daughter of a wealthy merchant.

Ricci showed an early aptitude for learning. He studied at the Jesuit college in Macerata and then at the University of Rome, where he earned a degree in philosophy. In 1571, he joined the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious Free Download founded by Ignatius of Loyola.

After completing his novitiate, Ricci studied theology at the Jesuit college in Rome. In 1578, he was ordained a priest.

Mission to China

In 1582, Ricci was sent to Macau, a Portuguese colony on the coast of China. He arrived in Macau on August 13, 1582.

At first, Ricci faced many challenges. He did not speak Chinese, and he was unfamiliar with Chinese culture. However, he quickly adapted to his new surroundings. He began to study Chinese language and culture, and he adopted Chinese customs and dress.

In 1583, Ricci traveled to Zhaoqing, a city in southern China. He spent the next 12 years in Zhaoqing, where he continued to study Chinese and to preach the Catholic faith.

In 1595, Ricci was invited to Beijing by the Ming emperor Wanli. He arrived in Beijing on January 24, 1595.

Life in the Forbidden City

Ricci spent the next 28 years in the Forbidden City. He served as an advisor to the emperor and his court, and he played a key role in the development of Chinese Catholicism.

Ricci was a gifted scientist and scholar. He introduced Western science and technology to China, including the telescope, the astrolabe, and the Gregorian calendar. He also wrote extensively about Chinese culture and history, and his works helped to shape Western understanding of China.

Ricci's work had a profound impact on China. He helped to introduce Western ideas and culture to China, and he played a key role in the development of Chinese Catholicism. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Sino-Western relations.

Death and Legacy

Matteo Ricci died in Beijing on May 11, 1610. He was 57 years old.

Ricci's legacy is immense. He was a pioneer in the field of Sino-Western relations, and he played a key role in the development of Chinese Catholicism. His work helped to shape Western understanding of China, and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity in Asia.

Matteo Ricci was a remarkable man who made a significant contribution to the world. He was a brilliant scholar, a gifted scientist, and a dedicated missionary. His work had a profound impact on China, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.

A Jesuit in the Forbidden City: Matteo Ricci 1552-1610

by R. Po-chia Hsia

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2545 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	376 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE