The Travels of Marco Polo

Definition

The Travels of Marco Polo is a 13th-century travelogue that chronicles the journey of Venetian merchant Marco Polo through Asia, particularly his experiences in China during the Mongol Empire. This narrative is significant as it provides one of the earliest comprehensive accounts of the East to European audiences, influencing trade, exploration, and cultural exchange.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marco Polo traveled extensively for over 24 years, beginning his journey in 1271 when he was just 17 years old.
2. His detailed accounts introduced Europeans to various aspects of Asian culture, including customs, politics, and commerce.
3. The Travels was co-written by Marco Polo and Rustichello da Pisa while they were imprisoned during a war between Venice and Genoa.
4. This narrative inspired other explorers, including Christopher Columbus, who sought to find new trade routes to the East.
5. The Travels also contributed to the European imagination about Asia, leading to an increased interest in exploration and trade with the East.

Review Questions

• How did The Travels of Marco Polo impact European perceptions of Asia during the late 13th century?
  • The Travels of Marco Polo significantly shaped European perceptions of Asia by providing detailed descriptions of its vast cultures, riches, and wonders. Before Marco's accounts, knowledge of Asia was limited and often based on myths or second-hand reports. His observations about Chinese customs, governance under Kublai Khan, and the wealth of the region opened European eyes to new possibilities for trade and exploration.
• In what ways did Marco Polo's experiences influence trade relations between Europe and Asia after his return?
  • Marco Polo's experiences had a profound effect on trade relations by providing valuable insights into Asian markets and the goods available there. His detailed descriptions of the Silk Road routes enabled European merchants to understand how to navigate these trade networks more effectively. This knowledge facilitated an increase in trade between Europe and Asia, ultimately leading to a burgeoning interest in acquiring luxury goods like silk and spices.
• Evaluate the significance of The Travels of Marco Polo in shaping later exploration endeavors in the context of the Age of Discovery.
  • The Travels of Marco Polo played a crucial role in shaping later exploration efforts during the Age of Discovery by serving as a foundational text that inspired explorers like Christopher Columbus. By detailing routes to Asia and highlighting its wealth, Marco's narrative motivated further exploration with the aim of finding direct access to Asian markets. Additionally, it contributed to an understanding that distant lands held immense opportunities for economic gain, thus laying the groundwork for European colonial ambitions in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Venetian Republic: A powerful and influential maritime city-state in Italy during the Middle Ages, known for its role in trade and exploration.

Silk Road: An ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

Mongol Empire: A vast empire founded by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century that spanned much of Asia and was known for its military prowess and cultural exchanges.