Marco Polo, born in Venice in 1254, was an explorer whose journey through Asia caught the interest of the people in Europe at that time. Setting out at the age of 17 with his father and uncle, Marco traveled the Silk Road, reaching the court of Kublai Khan. His travels, documented in the book “The Travels of Marco Polo,” not only introduced Europeans to the East but also inspired future explorers. Let’s read about Marco Polo and some of his interesting adventures.
In this article, we will cover the Biography of Marco Polo, including his early life, travels, discoveries, how he died, and some other interesting facts about him.
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Who was Marco Polo?
Marco Polo was a Venetian explorer and merchant born into a wealthy Venetian merchant family in 1254 in the Republic of Venice, which is now part of Italy. He is best known for his travels through Asia during the 13th century.
In 1271, at the age of 17, he went on a journey with his father and uncle to Asia. Marco Polo’s journey lasted for about 24 years, it took him along the Silk Road and into the heart of the Mongol Empire and eventually reached the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China.
Early Life of Marco Polo
Marco Polo’s father was Niccolò Polo, and his uncle was Maffeo Polo. The three went on the famous journey to Asia together in 1271.
- The Polo family was involved in trading goods, particularly luxury items, and had established themselves as successful merchants in Venice.
- They had business connections that extended into the eastern Mediterranean, where they traded with the Byzantine Empire.
- At the time of Marco’s birth, his father, Niccolo, and two uncles, all merchants, were away trading.
- After returning to Venice after an absence of 16 years, Niccolo found that his wife had died and that he had a 15-year-old son, Marco, whom he did not know existed. Marco Polo’s early life was influenced by the trading atmosphere of Venice during that time.
Travels of Marco Polo
Marco Polo was 17 years old when he, his father, and uncle, traveled through regions such as Persia and Central Asia and reached the court of Kublai Khan(the Mongol ruler of China). It is said that Marco Polo’s father and uncles had already met Kublai Khan before the travel with Marco they went to China on Kublai Khan’s request to bring documents from the pope and holy water from Jerusalem to him, Along with traveling through the silk routes took them 3 and half years to reach him again. Upon reaching the summer palace of Kublai Khan in 1275, Niccolo presented his son and offered him the emperor’s service.
Discoveries of Marco Polo
Marco Polo is famous for his travels through Asia during the 13th century, and his discoveries written in the book “The Travels of Marco Polo”, which contained valuable information about the customs, geography, and resources of the East. He wrote about the following discoveries in his book.
- Silk Road Exploration: Marco Polo’s journey took him along the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West. He traveledonh silk roads through Persia, Central Asia, and the Mongol Empire.
- Geographical Descriptions: Marco Polo’s accounts included descriptions of the geography of the regions he travelled, including details about landscapes, rivers, and cities. Some of his descriptions were accurate, while others were exaggerated or misunderstood by people.
- Cultural Insights: Marco Polo documented various cultural practices, customs, and traditions of the people he encountered, and the culture and traditions of the Mongol empire. This provided Europeans with knowledge of the diverse cultures of Asia.
- Service to Kublai Khan: Marco Polo spent 16 years at the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. His descriptions provided Europeans with detailed information about the Mongol Empire. Due to his talents such as knowledge of various languages and trading, Marco Polo became a useful and trusted advisor to Kublai Khan. He went abroad on various diplomatic missions within China and other parts of Asia.
- Economic and Commercial Information: Marco Polo provided information about the economic activities and trade practices in the regions he visited throughout his journey. This was particularly valuable for Europeans who were interested in expanding their trade routes.
- Flora and Fauna: Marco Polo’s accounts included observations about the flora and fauna of the regions he explored. He described various plants, animals, and natural resources which were unfamiliar to Europeans at the time.
It’s important to note that while Marco Polo’s travels were important and influential, some features of his accounts have been subject to debate. There are questions about the accuracy of some details, and historians have pointed out some exaggeration or confusion in his descriptions. His travels significantly impacted European awareness of the East and inspired later explorers.
Return of Marco Polo to Venice and Imprisonment
As Polo was very useful to Kublai Khan, he didn’t want him to leave, but after service for 16 years at the court of the Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan, polos begged for their return to Venice and he accepted it.
The Polos returned to Venice in 1295. They had been away for 24 years. Their relatives had thought them long dead. But they produced a small fortune in gems (rubies, sapphires, garnets, diamonds, and emeralds) sewn into the borders of their Mongolian clothes hence they were warmly welcomed back.
Sometime after the polos’ return, Venice was at war with its rival city-state, Genoa (situated on the west coast of Italy). Marco Polo was captured during a naval battle and ended up in prison in Genoa.
Death of Marco Polo
In 1299 Genoa and Venice declared peace; Polo was released and returned to Venice. He married Donata Badoer, and they had three daughters. After spending his remaining days as a businessman, working from home, he died at almost 70 years of age, on January 8, 1324.
The exact cause of Marco Polo’s death is not certain. Some accounts suggest that he fell ill and died due to natural causes, while others suggest that he was poisoned. Unfortunately, historians have yet to determine precisely what type of illness he died from. He is buried in the church of San Lorenzo in Venice. A priest asked Marco Polo to admit that he had stretched the truth about his travels. “I have not told the half of what I saw and did.” He died, but he did not give up his spirit even on his deathbed.
Interesting Facts about Marco Polo
Few facts about Marco Polo:
- Marco Polo’s famous travelogue (The Travels of Marco Polo) was penned in prison.
- Marco Polo barely knew his father and uncle when they began their journey to Asia
- Marco Polo spent much of his journey as a representative for the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan as he knew many languages and had great social skills.
- Marco Polo was often confused with encounters with unfamiliar animals such as elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles as creatures from myth and legends. As one of the first Europeans to see an Asian rhinoceros, Polo thought they were unicorns. Venetian traveler Macro Polo’s accounts of dog-headed men from the Isle of Agaman, Gulf of Bengal
- Marco Polo was among the first Europeans to describe many of the advanced technologies found in China
- Marco Polo was a major influence on other explorers, including Christopher Columbus.
Conclusion – Marco Polo | Biography, Discoveries & Facts
Marco Polo’s 24-year exploration of Asia documented in “The Travels of Marco Polo” left a legacy that played an essential role in geographic knowledge, trade, and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia. Despite being doubted; his adventures inspired future explorers and shaped world history, making him an iconic figure associated with exploration and discovery. He had the spirit and curiosity to unfold the secrets of the world as an adventurer, an explorer that led him to his achievements and made him rememberable to date.
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FAQs on Marco Polo | Biography, Discoveries & Facts
What is the legend of Marco Polo?
According to his story, Marco Polo set off for China in 1271, traveling as a merchant. His unparalleled journey took him over 8,000 kilometers along the routes of the old Silk Road.
Why is Marco Polo so famous?
Marco Polo is best known for his book, The Travels of Marco Polo, which described his adventures, Asian inventions and customs, and his rapport with Kublai Khan. Although other Europeans, including his father and uncle, had traveled throughout the East, Marco Polo attained fame because of the stories told in his book.
What languages did Marco Polo speak?
It is known that he spoke multiple languages, including Venetian (his native language), French, Mongolian, Persian, and Turkish. It is said that he spoke Persian during his trip to China because he recalls Chinese names in Persian.
Why did Marco Polo leave China?
Marco, along with his father and uncle, finally left China in 1292, after staying an incredible 17 years with the Khan, who only reluctantly let them leave. The excuse was Marco would escort a princess sent by the Khan to marry a fellow Mongol ruler, Arghun, in Persia.
What did Marco Polo say on his deathbed?
A priest asked Marco Polo to admit what the world already knew: that he had stretched the truth about his travels. The old voyager is said to have shot back, “I have not told the half of what I saw and did.” He died, but he did not give up the spirit.
How did Marco Polo die?
The exact cause of his death isn’t documented. Historians can only speculate that it was most likely due to illness, given his age and context.