cutai

Cutai, also known as Catai or Khitai, was a historical term primarily used in medieval Europe to refer to China. It originated from the name of the Khitan people, a nomadic group who established the Liao dynasty in northern China from the 10th to the 12th centuries. When European travelers and merchants, most notably Marco Polo, encountered the Chinese empire through the Silk Road and later maritime routes, they adopted the name "Cathay" or "Cutai" to describe the vast and prosperous land.

The term "Cutai" evoked images of a wealthy and sophisticated civilization, rich in silks, spices, and porcelain. It became a common geographical reference in European literature, maps, and trade discussions for centuries. Over time, as European knowledge of China expanded and more direct contact was established, the distinction between "Cutai" and "China" became clearer. The term "China" eventually superseded "Cutai" in general European usage. However, "Cathay" has persisted in some contexts as a poetic or historical term, particularly in literature and maritime history, often referring to the historical region of China as known in medieval times. The legacy of "Cutai" highlights the early European perceptions and geographical understanding of East Asia.