Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Biography of Marco Polo
Marco Polo was an Italian explorer and merchant from the Republic of Venice. He is best known for his extensive travels and the book "Il Milione," known in English as "The Travels of Marco Polo," which introduced Europeans to Central Asia and China. Here is a brief biography of Marco Polo:
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| Biography of Marco Polo |
Early Life (1254-1324):
Marco Polo was born on September 15, 1254, in the Venetian Republic, which is now part of modern-day Italy. He was born into a wealthy Venetian merchant family. His father, Niccolò Polo, and uncle, Maffeo Polo, were successful merchants who frequently traveled to Asia for trade.
Marco Polo's Journey to Asia:
In 1271, when Marco Polo was 17 years old, he accompanied his father and uncle on a journey to Asia along the Silk Road. They traveled through the Middle East and eventually reached the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol Emperor of China, in Shangdu (also known as Xanadu).
Service to Kublai Khan:
Marco Polo impressed Kublai Khan with his intelligence and resourcefulness. He was appointed as an emissary and a confidant to the emperor. Polo traveled extensively within the Mongol Empire, visiting regions that are now part of China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Return to Venice:
Marco Polo spent around 24 years in Asia, serving Kublai Khan and exploring various territories. In 1292, he left China and embarked on a sea voyage with a princess from the Mongol court, eventually reaching Persia. From there, he traveled overland back to Venice, arriving in 1295.
Writing "The Travels of Marco Polo" of Marco Polo:
During his imprisonment in Genoa (he was captured during a naval battle between Venice and Genoa), Polo dictated his experiences and adventures to a fellow prisoner, Rustichello de Pisa. This narrative eventually became the book "Il Milione," which was later translated into numerous languages and became one of the most famous travel books in history.
Later Life and Legacy:
Marco Polo's book became widely popular in Europe and inspired many future explorers, including Christopher Columbus. Polo married and had three children in Venice. He died on January 8, 1324. While his stories have been a subject of controversy and skepticism over the years, his travels undoubtedly played a significant role in connecting the East and West, bridging cultures, and expanding European knowledge about Asia.