The Venetian explorer born in 1254, became one of the most influential explorers in the world by documenting his travels through Asia on the Silk Road during the 13th century.
Marco Polo’s detailed accounts of his journeys provided Europeans with a first comprehensive look at Asian lands and cultures, fueling imaginations and hopes of trade.
His book, “The Travels of Marco Polo,” remains a vital historical text and continues to inspire curiosity and adventure in all who read his stories.
Facts About Marco Polo
Fact 1: The Early Life of Marco Polo Began in Venice
Marco Polo was born in 1254 in the Republic of Venice to Niccolo and Maffeo Polo, who were wealthy merchants. His early years were shaped by the stories and experiences his father and uncle shared from their travels in Asia.
In Marco’s childhood, Venice was a flourishing city-state with a strong economy based on trade. However, Marco did not see much of his father or uncle during his early years, as they were away on a long voyage.
Fact 2: Marco Polo’s Journey to Asia was Extensively Documented in His Famous Book
At the age of 17, Marco Polo embarked on a journey to Asia with his father and uncle, traveling along the Silk Road. This extensive journey led them through diverse territories, including Georgia, Armenia, Persia, and China.
They reached the court of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan in 1275. Marco quickly became a favorite of the Khan, who appreciated his knowledge of the Western cultures.
Fact 3: Marco Polo Served Kublai Khan as an Official in Various Roles
During his stay at Kublai Khan’s court, Marco Polo took on roles as a foreign emissary and governor in various Chinese cities. His insights and adaptability to Mongol culture helped facilitate dialogues between different cultures.
Marco’s roles included overseeing trade and administration, tasks that required significant trust from Khan. This reflects not only Marco’s adaptability but also his keen understanding of political and economic landscapes.
His services extended for over 17 years, indicating his integral role in Kublai Khan’s court and his acceptance within the Mongol empire.
Fact 4: Marco Polo Described Paper Money Usage in His Accounts
One of the most revolutionary insights Marco Polo introduced to Europeans was the use of paper money in China, termed as ‘jiaochao’. His writings provide detailed descriptions of the currency’s fabrication from the bark of the mulberry tree.
Europeans during this period were still primarily using metal coins for trade, making this concept both novel and fascinating.
Fact 5: Return of Marco Polo to Venice After Twenty-Four Years
After spending 24 years abroad, Marco Polo returned to Venice in 1295. His return was influenced by the desire to return to his home country and potentially the unstable political climate in Asia following Kublai Khan’s death.
Upon his return, Marco found Venice at war with Genoa, a rival city-state. Not long after, he was captured and imprisoned by the Genoese.
During his imprisonment, he met Rustichello da Pisa, to whom he narrated the stories that would become “The Travels of Marco Polo.”
Fact 6: Marco Polo’s Book Was Written in Prison
While imprisoned in Genoa, Polo dictated his experiences to Rustichello da Pisa, who was also a captive.
The book they composed together was originally titled “Description of the World” but later came to be known commonly as “The Travels of Marco Polo.”
This format allowed Polo’s observations to be preserved and later studied by a wide audience across Europe, despite some skepticism from contemporaries about the veracity of his accounts.
The book eventually spread across Europe and was translated into multiple languages, becoming a reference for future explorers.
Fact 7: Skepticism About the Authenticity of Marco Polo’s Travels
Many contemporaries and later historians expressed doubt about the complete authenticity of Polo’s travels. Some claimed that he might have exaggerated or even fabricated parts of his narrative.
Despite these doubts, there is substantial corroborative evidence from other sources that confirms many of Polo’s observations.
It is possible that some of the fantastical elements in his writings were influenced by the storytelling styles of the 13th century.
Fact 8: The Impact of Marco Polo’s Travels on European Cartography
Marco Polo’s detailed geographical descriptions of Asia helped improve European maps of the continent.
His accounts inspired cartographers like Christopher Columbus and Johannes Vermeer, who used his descriptions to speculate about the geography of the East.
Fact 9: The Influence of Marco Polo’s Descriptions on European Exploration
Marco Polo’s narratives significantly influenced European exploration and the Age of Discovery.
His writings sparked the imagination of European explorers and motivated them to search for new trade routes and lands. Particularly, his descriptions of the wealth of the Far East encouraged explorers to undertake voyages that would eventually lead to the discovery of the New World.
Explorers such as Christopher Columbus carried copies of Polo’s book with them on their journeys.
Fact 10: The Many Languages and Editions of “The Travels of Marco Polo”
“The Travels of Marco Polo” was originally written in Old French, a language accessible to many European nobles at the time. Since its original publication, the book has been translated into Latin, Venetian dialect, and eventually many modern languages.
The multiple translations and editions reflect different interpretations and editions, some of which include additional embellishments or errors introduced by the translators.
Despite this, Marco Polo’s account continues to captivate readers worldwide, serving as a cultural bridge between East and West.
Fact 11: Marco Polo’s Accounts of the Wealth and Splendor of the Mongol Empire
Marco Polo described the Mongol Empire, especially the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan, with great admiration for its wealth and splendor.
He detailed the organized postal system, the safety of the trade routes, and the grandeur of the palaces and cities he encountered.
Marco’s accounts provided the first comprehensive European insights into the technological advancements and cultural practices of the Mongols.
Fact 12: Marco Polo’s Legacy and Its Influence on Global History
Even after he died in 1324, Marco Polo’s legacy continued to have a profound impact on global history. His contributions to geography, cartography, and intercultural knowledge significantly advanced European understanding of the wider world.
The trade relationships and the transmission of knowledge that began to flourish after Polo’s travels can be seen as a foundation for globalized commerce and cultural exchange.
Marco Polo’s name became synonymous with exploration and discovery, emblematic of the curiosity and spirit of adventure that would define the Renaissance period.
Fact 13: Marco Polo and His Portrayal in Popular Culture
Marco Polo’s life and travels have been romanticized in literature, film, and television, underscoring his lasting appeal.
He has been depicted as an intrepid adventurer and a bridge between diverse civilizations in historical novels, operas, and visual art.
The Netflix original series “Marco Polo” is one such portrayal that dramatizes his time in the court of Kublai Khan, though it takes considerable creative license with historical events.
Various games and educational programs also bear his name, encouraging new generations to learn about his extraordinary journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Marco Polo introduce pasta from China to Italy?
Historical evidence suggests that pasta was already known in Europe prior to Marco Polo’s travels. However, Polo’s accounts did describe a food similar to pasta that he encountered in China.
The popular legend that credits Marco Polo for introducing pasta to Italy is more myth than fact. Still, the tale underscores the significant culinary exchange that Polo’s journeys symbolizes.
How accurate is “The Travels of Marco Polo” as a historical document?
While “The Travels of Marco Polo” is based on his experiences, some aspects may be exaggerated or influenced by the storytelling conventions of the time.
The book blends Polo’s firsthand observations with tales he heard from others, and some inaccuracies may stem from misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Despite these uncertainties, much of Polo’s account has been corroborated by other sources and remains a valuable historical document of the 13th-century world.
Why is Marco Polo considered a significant historical figure?
Marco Polo is considered significant due to his detailed documentation of his travels, which provided one of the first comprehensive looks at Asia for Europeans.
His work helped to diminish Eurocentric worldviews and opened up the possibility of global trade and cultural exchange.
Polo’s influence extended into the Age of Discovery, inspiring explorers and contributing to building a foundation for modern globalization.
What happened to Marco Polo after he returned to Venice?
After his release from Genoese captivity, Marco Polo returned to Venice where he resumed a life as a merchant. He became a wealthy and respected member of Venetian society, marrying and starting a family.