#history
Marco Polo
Marco Polo (1254-1324) was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and traveler who travelled extensively throughout Asia during the 13th century and provided the world with a historical account of the hitherto unknown countries, it’s people and customs.
He is best known for his travels to China and his book, “The Travels of Marco Polo,” which described his adventures and the wonders he encountered.
Marco Polo was born in the Republic of Venice, a powerful maritime empire in northern Italy. His father, Niccolò Polo, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo, were successful merchants who had traded with the East.
At the age of 17, Marco Polo joined his father and uncle on a trading expedition to China.
They traveled the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected Europe and Asia.
They reached the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China, who was impressed by their knowledge of the world and their trading skills.
The Polos returned to China and spent 17 years in the service of Kublai Khan. Marco Polo learned the local languages, including Mongolian and Chinese, and became a trusted advisor to the emperor.
He travelled extensively throughout the Mongol Empire, visiting present-day China, Tibet, Nepal, India, and Southeast Asia.
The Polos returned to Venice after Kublai Khan’s death, but they were imprisoned by the Genoese during a war between Venice and Genoa.
It was during his imprisonment that Marco Polo dictated his stories to a fellow prisoner, Rustichello da Pisa, who wrote them down in a book called “Il Milione” (The Travels of Marco Polo).
Marco Polo’s book became a bestseller in Europe, inspiring many others to explore and trade with the East.
His stories of the riches and wonders of Asia helped to fuel the imagination of explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama. Unfortunately his house was burnt down and the original version was lost forever.
Today, Marco Polo is remembered as one of the greatest travellers and explorers of all time, and his book remains a classic of travel literature.
