Marco Polo: The History And History Of Marco Polo

Marco Polo began his travels in 1271 with his father and uncle from Venice on a journey east. What was it that made Polo such a known and remembered traveler? Was it because he worked alongside Kublai Klan for 17 years, or because the stories that he brought back after his years of travel? He traveled for 24 years throughout Asia, beginning alongside his father and sometimes traveling alone. Polo had a tough early childhood but the rest of his travels made up for his loss of his mother at an early age. He traveled through Asia and went beyond Mongolia to China. Polo, is easily one of the most famous western travelers who traveled on the Silk Road.

In Polo’s early life, his father wasn’t present because he was traveling with his brother.

"This desert is reported to be so long that it would take a year to go from end to end; and at the narrowest point it takes a month to cross it. It consists entirely of mountains and sands and valleys. There is nothing at all to eat." Despite the dangers encountered during the Gobi crossing, Marco 's account suggests that the route was safe and well established during Mongol 's reign.” (Silkroad Foundation, The Long and Difficult Journey to Cathay, 1997-2000). While Polo was not necessarily a historian to those around him, that did not stop him from telling the stories and information about the

Also, comparing how the countries were different and varied. When Polo, his father, and uncle arrived closer to the Great Khan, he sent out a royal escort to bring the travelers and bring assistance for them. After three and a half years of traveling, in May 1275, the Polo’s arrived to the original capital of Kublai Khan at his winter palace at his capital. The men had traveled a total of 5,600 miles on the journey thus far. Marco stated that this was the greatest moment when he first met the Great Khan (Silkroad Foundation, 1997-2000). Upon befriending the Khan, Polo became a favorite and was appointed to high posts in return. “He served at the Khan 's court and was sent on a number of special missions in China, Burma and India. Many places which Marco saw were not seen again by Europeans until last century. Marco went on great length to describe Kublia 's capital, ceremonies, hunting and public assistance, and they were all to be found on a much smaller scale in Europe.” (Silkroad Foundation, Years Serviced in Khan’s Court, 1997-2000). Polo stated that the summer palace of Khan’s was covered in gold and silver and the Hall was so large that it could dine 6,000 people easily. The Palace was also supported by 200 silk cords, that were able to be taken into pieces and moved easily when the Emperor moved. (Silkroad Foundation, Years Serviced in Khan’s Court,