The story of Marco Polo

Once upon a time a well-known merchant and explorer were born into a prosperous family in the City of Canals Venice, Italy around 1254, known as Marco Polo. Marco Polo has been born into a family of merchants. Before his birth, Marco’s father and uncle went on a long haul of trading expedition. With his father away for a long time and due to the early death of his mother, Marco has been raised by his extensive relatives from an early age.

fig: Collected

The journey of the Silk Road:   Marco met his father Niccolo for the first time at the age of 15 when he finally returned to Venice after his long extended journey. After about 2 years Marco travelled to present-day Israel alongside his father and uncle. They collected some holy oil from the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as per the request of Kublai Khan, after that they travelled back to Israel to collect presents, paper documents and 2 friars from newly elected Pope Gregory X. The friars didn’t last in the expedition for a long time but the Polos resumed their journey to the Persian port city of Hormuz, by camel. Due to not finding any suitable boat to their liking, they followed several routes of overland traders, which is now known as the Silk Road.

They travelled for the next 3 years across desserts, high rocky mountains, passed through rough terrains, met people of different religions and cultures. Finally, at around 1275, they presented themselves in front of Kublai Khan at his summer palace in Shangdu. Kublai Khan then gave Marco Polo a position in his count, possibly as a tax collector. The Polo’s remained under Kublai Khan’s service for several years, before they were granted release.  

Facts from Fiction:   Marco Polo has travelled extensively from Europe to Asia, remaining in China for 17 years. Here are a few facts about the legendary explorer.  

• The Travel of Marco Polo – the book 

  The Travel of Marco Polo is a book that contains the stories of Marco Polo of his travel, and his adventures at the court of Kublai Khan. Initially, it was believed that Marco himself wrote the book, but that is false, the author of the book is Rustichello of Pisa. Marco met him in prison when he has captured in the battle between Venice and Genoa. While in prison, Marco told Rustichello these stories who later turned it into a book. Printers was not invented during that time, as a result the book was handwritten resulting to many mistakes. As of now there are no original copies left.  

• Species of sheep were named after him

  In the book The Travel of Marco Polo, it has been mentioned that while Marco Polo has been visiting present-day Afghanistan, he has observed the mountain sheep on Pamir Plateau. The sheep weren’t named in his lifetime, in around 1841 the scientist first mentioned Ovis ammon polii.  

• How the Polos’ were excused form Kublai Khan’s service 

  It took almost 2 decades for the Polos to be excused from Kublai Khan’s service because Kublai valued their service immensely, as a result, he refused to let them go. The Polos were only able to return home when they convinced Kublai to let them escort Princess Kokachin, who was going to marry II-Khan, his great-nephew, who ruled Persia. The journey to Persia was very difficult and many died on the road, but the Polos arrived securely The Polos were able to go back home, only because Kublai Khan died during the mission.   Marco Polo is one of the legendary travellers who has explored extensively, experienced countless perils and saw many things.During his journey, he has made many important friends, due to which he enjoyed expectational privileges.His captivating stories has turned into a book, as a result of which his stories of his journey is still well known  

Written by: Ramisha Rahman  

Reference:  The Odysseyonline, History.com        

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