Marco Polo essays

Marco Polo essays Marco polo was born 1254 AD and died 1324 AD. He was a traveler and author and his experiences in China influenced interest in Asian trade. Marco polo was born in Venice. Venice was a very important center of trade in medieval Europe many of the goods that were traded include silk porclin and other goods from china. Very little is known about Marco pools early life. Marco polo probably received a typical education included in read, write, and calculate. Marco Polos writings are the primary source of information about the travels of his father and uncle, Niccoli and Maffeo Polo, who were jewel merchants. Marcos father, Niccoli left on an exploring venture when Marcos mother was pregnant with Marco. They left Venice in 1260 on a commercial venture to the Black Sea ports of Constantinople. In 1262 a war broke out behind them and prevented them from returning home, so they processed farther east to the great central Asian trading city of Buhoro. After three years they joined a mission going to the ruler of China. The ruler of China welcomed them and asked them to teach him more about the religion of Christianity. The brothers returned to Europe to ask the pope to help. On Niccolis and Maffeos trip back to China in 1271, with the pope, to teach them more about Christianity, Niccolos son Marco went with them. Due to bad weather during the trip, the rest of the missionaries turned back. The three Polos continued the trip. In 1275 they reached the home of Kublai Khan, the ruler of China. Again, from Marcos writings, the ruler of China welcomed them warmly. The Polos spent the next 17 years in China. Kublai Khan liked Marco because he was a good storyteller. The ruler of China sent Marco on many diplomatic missions throughout his empire. Marco told Kublai Khan many interesting stories and observations about the lands he visited. The ruler of China eventually made Marco ...