Tracing Antiquity: Count von Ulfeldt's Grand Embassy to Constantinople in 1740 and the Reception of Ancient Heritage

Abstract Two descriptions of the Habsburg embassy to the Sublime Porte, led by Count von Ulfeldt, offer invaluable information on Balkan ancient monuments and the understanding of the historical geography of those parts of the former Roman Empire. Unpublished manuscripts in the Austrian National Library record the travelogues of Johann von Kempelen and Captain Schad, who submitted their diaries to the Imperial Chancellery on returning to Vienna. Kempelen, the embassy's secretary and historiographer, was judged more valuable. Travelling different routes, both kept diary‐form accounts detailing routes, settlements, meetings, sights, and particularly antiquities. Their entries, accompanied by drawings and inscriptions, reflected Western travellers' perceptions and served Habsburg propaganda. Though part of a long tradition of noting ruins dating back to the fifteenth century, these works are notable for approaching antiquities with explicit research aims, attempting explanation and dating of the ruins encountered. Their manuscripts remain valuable yet understudied archival sources today.