Matteo Ricci

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History & Society

Matteo Ricci

Italian Jesuit missionary

Also known as: Li-ma-tou, Limadou

Written by Joseph Hsing-san Shih

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Apr 4, 2024 • Article History

Matteo Ricci

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Category: History & Society

Pinyin:: Limadou

Wade-Giles romanization:: Li-ma-tou

Born:: October 6, 1552, Macerata, Papal States [Italy]

Died:: May 11, 1610, Beijing, China (aged 57)

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Matteo Ricci (born October 6, 1552, Macerata, Papal States [Italy]—died May 11, 1610, Beijing, China) was an Italian Jesuit missionary who introduced Christian teaching to the Chinese empire in the 16th century. He lived there for nearly 30 years and was a pioneer in the attempt at mutual comprehension between China and the West. By adopting the language and culture of the country, he gained entrance to the interior of China, which was normally closed to foreigners. Ricci was from a noble family in Macerata, in central Italy. His father, Giovanni Battista Ricci, a pharmacist by profession, dedicated most of ...(100 of 1087 words)

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