University of Naples "L'Orientale"
The University of Naples "L'Orientale" is a university located in Naples, Italy. Founded in 1732 by Matteo Ripa, it is the oldest school of Sinology and Oriental Studies of the European continent. It is organized in three departments, and is the main university in Italy specializing in the study of non-European languages and cultures, with research and studies agreements with universities all over the world. It is one of the top universities in the world regarding Asian cultures and languages.
University of Naples "L'Orientale"
Image: Palazzo Orig
Oriental studies is the academic field that studies Near Eastern and Far Eastern societies and cultures, languages, peoples, history and archaeology. In recent years, the subject has often been turned into the newer terms of Middle Eastern studies and Asian studies. Traditional Oriental studies in Europe is today generally focused on the discipline of Islamic studies; the study of China, especially traditional China, is often called Sinology. The study of East Asia in general, especially in the United States, is often called East Asian studies.
Ancient Assyrian antiquities in the British Museum. In the 19th century, the placing of spectacular antiquities in the new museums brought unusual interest from the general public to Oriental studies.
Hayton of Corycus remits his report on the Mongols to Pope Clement V in 1307.
Matteo Ricci (left) and Xu Guangqi (徐光啟) (right) in the Chinese edition of Euclid's Elements (幾何原本) published in 1607
The old building of the Asiatic Society, in Calcutta, founded by William Jones in 1784
