Who was Marco Polo?
Marco Polo was a merchant from Venice who traveled to China in the late 1200s and served at the court of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. His book about his journeys amazed Europeans.
Marco Polo was born around 1254. In 1271, at about 17, he set out with his father and uncle, who had already visited China. They traveled overland along the Silk Road, through Persia and Central Asia, and arrived at Kublai Khan's court around 1275. Marco stayed for about 17 years, reportedly serving the Khan on missions across the empire.
He returned to Venice in 1295. Soon after, he was captured during a war with Genoa. In prison, he told his stories to a writer named Rustichello da Pisa, who wrote them down in a book often called The Travels of Marco Polo. It described paper money, coal, huge cities and other wonders unknown in Europe.
Fact or exaggeration?
Some historians have questioned parts of his account, noting that he did not mention the Great Wall or tea. Most scholars, however, believe he really went to China, because many details he described are accurate. His book later inspired explorers, including Christopher Columbus.
Did You Know?
Venice's main airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport, is named after the explorer.