Marco Polo

Definition

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled extensively throughout Asia in the late 13th century, most notably to China. His journeys along the Silk Road not only opened up new trade routes but also contributed significantly to the cultural exchange between Europe and Asia, making him a key figure in the history of exploration and trade.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marco Polo's travels began when he left Venice with his father and uncle in 1271, eventually reaching China in 1275.
2. Polo served in the court of Kublai Khan for over 17 years, gaining significant knowledge about the culture and politics of the region.
3. His accounts of the wealth and splendor of the East fascinated Europeans and contributed to an increase in trade along the Silk Road.
4. Marco Polo was one of the first Europeans to describe the use of paper money in China, highlighting the advanced economic systems of the time.
5. Despite his influence, many people doubted the truthfulness of Polo's accounts upon his return to Europe, which led to debates about his credibility as an explorer.

Review Questions

• How did Marco Polo's travels influence trade relations between Europe and Asia?
  • Marco Polo's travels along the Silk Road provided Europeans with a detailed account of Asian cultures, products, and trading practices. His experiences inspired many merchants to explore new trade opportunities, leading to increased economic exchanges between Europe and Asia. The curiosity generated by his writings helped lay the groundwork for future exploration and expansion into Asian markets.
• Evaluate Marco Polo's relationship with Kublai Khan and its impact on his explorations.
  • Marco Polo developed a close relationship with Kublai Khan during his time in China, serving as an envoy and gaining firsthand knowledge of Mongol governance and culture. This unique position allowed him to travel extensively within Asia, collecting valuable information that would later inform European understanding of the region. The support from Kublai Khan provided Polo with access to resources and protection during his travels, making his explorations possible.
• Analyze the significance of 'The Travels of Marco Polo' in shaping European perceptions of Asia during the Middle Ages.
  • 'The Travels of Marco Polo' played a crucial role in shaping European perceptions of Asia by providing vivid descriptions of its wealth, culture, and advanced technologies. The book sparked interest among European merchants and explorers, leading to an increase in trade expeditions to Asia. Furthermore, it challenged existing stereotypes about non-European societies and fueled a curiosity that ultimately contributed to the Age of Exploration, as Europeans sought to uncover more about distant lands.

Related terms

Silk Road:

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

Kublai Khan: The Mongol emperor of China during Marco Polo's travels, who welcomed Polo and made him an envoy within his court.

The Travels of Marco Polo: A book that recounts Polo's adventures in Asia, which inspired future explorers and traders about the possibilities of exploration.