Letter of Oljaitu, 8th Ilkhan to Philip IV of France announcing the general peace of the Mongol Empire, 1305.

Letter from Oljaitu to Philippe le Bel, 1305. The text reads in part: 'Oljeitu Sultan our word. To the Iridfarans (King of France) Sultan. How could it be forgotten that from ancient times all you sultans of the Frank citizens have dealt peacefully with our good great-grandfather (Hulegu Khan), good grandfather (Abaga Khan), good father (Arghun Khan) and good brother (Ghazan Khan), esteeming us near although you are far, pronouncing your various words and sending your ambassadors and gifts of health-wishing.. Our nation has been interlocked (peacefully connected) from the land of the Nankhiyas (plural for 'Chinese') where the sun rises to the Talu Ocean (Mediterranean Sea) and our roads have been tied together'. (Photo by: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)