The Italian traveler and Franciscan monk John of Piano Carpini (ca. 1180-1252) journeyed across central Asia and was the first European to write a detailed account of the Mongol Empire.

John was born in Umbria, probably at Pian' di Carpini (now Piano della Magione). He was attracted by the preaching of Francis of Assisi, and by 1220 he was a member of Francis's order. Friar John's practical sense and his capacity for long and hard work soon led him to be placed in charge of Franciscan efforts in other parts of Europe, and for several years he was superior of the order in Germany.

In 1241 the Mongols, or Tatars, came across Russia and invaded eastern Europe, causing great destruction in Poland, Hungary, and parts of Germany. Four years later Pope Innocent IV decided to send a formal protest to them. He chose Friar John, in his mid-60s but...