André de Longjumeau

André de Longjumeau (fl. 13th century) was a French Dominican friar, diplomat, and explorer. He is primarily known for undertaking two significant diplomatic missions to the Mongol Empire in the mid-13th century, acting as an envoy for both Pope Innocent IV and King Louis IX of France. His travels provided valuable early European intelligence about the Mongols and the Far East.

Early Missions and Background

Little is known about André de Longjumeau's early life. He was a member of the Dominican Order, which often played a key role in diplomatic and missionary efforts during the medieval period. His knowledge of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, possibly acquired during previous missionary work in the Holy Land or other regions, made him a suitable candidate for missions to the East.

First Embassy (1245–1247)

André de Longjumeau's first significant diplomatic mission was undertaken between 1245 and 1247. He was dispatched by Pope Innocent IV, concurrent with Giovanni da Pian del Carpine's famous journey to the Great Khan's court. André's specific assignment was to travel to the camp of the Mongol general Baiju in Persia (modern-day Iran). The purpose of this mission, like others sent by the Pope, was to deliver papal letters expressing concerns about Mongol incursions into Europe and to gather intelligence. Although less documented than Carpine's journey, his mission contributed to the growing European understanding of Mongol military and political structures.

Second Embassy (1249–1251)

André de Longjumeau's most famous and well-documented mission was his second journey to the Mongols, commissioned by King Louis IX of France (later Saint Louis).

Context: While Louis IX was on Crusade in Egypt in 1248, he received word from the Mongol general Eljigidei, based in Persia, suggesting a desire for an alliance against the Muslim powers. Louis, interpreting this as a potential conversion to Christianity and an offer of military cooperation, decided to send an envoy.
The Journey: In 1249, André de Longjumeau was entrusted with gifts, including a chapel-tent, a scarlet-covered bed for the Khan, and letters from the French King. He departed from Cyprus, accompanied by his brother and other companions. His route took him through Persia, Turkestan, and ultimately to the heartland of the Mongol Empire.
At the Mongol Court: André arrived at the court of the Great Khan Güyük in Karakorum in 1251, though Güyük had died in 1248. He presented his letters and gifts to Güyük's widow and regent, Oghul Qaimish, and subsequently to the new Great Khan, Möngke, who was elected in 1251.
Outcome: The mission was ultimately unsuccessful in securing an alliance. The Mongols, far from seeking an alliance on equal terms, regarded the European envoys as tributaries. Möngke Khan sent a defiant letter back to Louis IX, demanding his submission to the Great Khan, otherwise facing war.
Return: André de Longjumeau returned to King Louis IX in Caesarea in 1251, bringing back the Mongol letters and a detailed report of his findings.

Legacy and Significance

Although his diplomatic efforts did not achieve their primary goals, André de Longjumeau's missions were critically important:

Intelligence Gathering: He provided Europeans with invaluable firsthand accounts of Mongol society, military organization, geography, and customs, which were largely unknown in the West. His detailed observations included information about the vastness of the empire, its administrative structures, and aspects of its religious tolerance.
Influence on Future Travelers: His reports, though not widely disseminated in written form compared to others, influenced subsequent European travelers and envoys, notably William of Rubruck, who undertook a similar mission for Louis IX a few years later. Rubruck's account mentions "Friar Andrew" and his mission.
Historical Context: His embassies illustrate the complex early interactions between nascent Europe and the vast, powerful Mongol Empire, driven by a mixture of curiosity, fear, and strategic opportunism. They highlight the European hope for a potential Christian ally against Islam, a hope that was ultimately dashed by the Mongols' own imperial ambitions.

References

Jackson, Peter. The Mongols and the West: 1221-1410. Routledge, 2005.
Morris, Christopher. "André de Longjumeau." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press, 2004.
Phillips, J.R.S. The Medieval Expansion of Europe. Oxford University Press, 1988.

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