Domenico Magri's journey to Mount Libano

Abstract

Domenico Magri is little known today yet in his time he was renowned for his erudition in ecclesiastical and secular matters not only in Malta his native country, but in Rome and in various parts of Europe. He left the island at an early age to proceed with his studies and it was at Rome that his exceptional ability attracted the attention of his superiors. They held him in such high esteen that they entrusted him then at the young age of nineteen with a delicate and perilous task which he carried out most successfully and for which he received the praises of the Pope himself. That he deserved these praises becomes evident when one reads his own report on the mission. Besides the hardships he had to undergo on his journey to Lebanon, which he describes so well, his mission involved some diplomacy as he had to show the falsehood of rumours which had reached the Patriarch of Antioch about the treatment of Maronites in Rome. Magri's Viaggio al Monte Libano has its literary value. It is written in an easily flowing style and the numerous interesting anecdotes and historical references render this work a real delight to read. It is an eye witness report on the political, religious and social life in the countries of the Middle Fast in the first quarter of the 17th century. As such it is of the greatest interest to the historian. Although we we do not find in Magri's account information which one cannot get from other sources, yet the fact that it is told in the first person and by an intelligent observer, adds no small value to this work. Magri is as objective as a European of his time could be. It is only when he discusses religion that he shows some traits of prejudice against Islam and its f01.m.der Mohammed, but this is to be expected in such an age [...].