WHI-Chap18-Marco Polo
Marco Polo was born in Venice, Italy in 1253. Marco's father Niccolò and uncle Maffeo were some of the first European merchants who ventured to China. They traveled and traded predominantly along the silk roads in Mongol territory between 1260 and 1269. They met Khubilai Khan, and when they returned to China in 1271, Marco joined them on their journey. The great khan was very fond of Marco and let him venture into China for trade opportunities, as well as used him for many diplomatic missions. Marco returned to Venice after 17 years in China. Travelling through Sumatra, Ceylon, India, and Arabia, they finally set foot in Venice in 1295. Marco's travels were recorded by a writer who he met when he was taken as a prisoner of war in the conflict between Genoa and Venice. Marco died in 1324.
"Marco Polo" (Traditions and Encounters, p.567-568).
Created by: Ian Mellor-Crummey
