The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Marco Polo

Marco Polo (1254 — 1324) was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who is famous for his extensive travels throughout Asia during the Middle Ages. His travelogue, "The Travels of Marco Polo," played a significant role in introducing Europeans to the wealth and wonders of the East. Here are the key facts about Marco Polo:

Early Life and Background:
- Marco Polo was born into a merchant family in Venice, Italy, in 1254.
- His father, Niccolò Polo, and uncle, Maffeo Polo, were experienced merchants who had previously traveled to the East.

Journey to the East:
- When Marco was around 17 years old, his father and uncle returned from the East and decided to take him along on their next journey.
- The Polos embarked on their journey to Asia in 1271, traveling along the Silk Road to reach the court of Kublai Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Empire.

Service in the Mongol Court:
- Marco Polo spent several years in the service of Kublai Khan, serving as a diplomat, administrator, and emissary.
- He traveled extensively within the Mongol Empire, exploring China, Mongolia, India, and other parts of Asia.

Return to Europe:
- After spending about 17 years in the East, the Polos returned to Europe in 1295. By this time, Kublai Khan had granted them permission to leave.
- The Polos' return journey took them through the Persian Gulf, and they arrived back in Venice in 1295.

Imprisonment and Writing:
- In 1298, Venice was at war with the city-state of Genoa, and Marco Polo was captured and imprisoned during a naval battle.
- While in prison, Marco Polo met Rustichello da Pisa, a fellow prisoner and writer. Together, they worked on Marco's memoirs, which would later become "The Travels of Marco Polo."

The Travels of Marco Polo:
- "The Travels of Marco Polo," also known as "Il Milione," is a detailed account of his journeys in Asia and his experiences at the Mongol court.
- The book described the geography, culture, customs, and riches of the lands he had visited, introducing Europeans to the vastness and complexity of the East.

Impact and Legacy:
- Marco Polo's travelogue had a profound impact on European knowledge and perception of Asia, inspiring later explorers and navigators.
- His descriptions of the Silk Road and the riches of the East were influential in encouraging trade and exploration between Europe and Asia.

Controversy and Authenticity:
- While "The Travels of Marco Polo" gained popularity and influenced subsequent explorers like Christopher Columbus, some scholars have debated the accuracy of certain details in the book.
- Some critics have suggested that Marco may have embellished or borrowed information from earlier accounts of Asian travels.

Later Life and Passing:
- After his release from prison, Marco Polo returned to a more settled life in Venice.
- He married and had three daughters, and he continued to work as a merchant and diplomat.
- Marco Polo passed away in Venice in 1324, at the age of around 70.

Marco Polo's travels and writings opened up new horizons for European exploration and trade with Asia. His descriptions of the lands he visited, while sometimes debated for accuracy, left a lasting impact on European perceptions of the East and contributed to the Age of Exploration that followed.