By: Kevin P. Neville

The Explorer Marco Polo

Background Information

• Born 1255; died 1324• As a boy, yearned of

adventures in distant lands• Merchant from Venice,

Italy• Traveler & explorer

Purpose of Expedition

• To trade goods and make money in China with father and uncle

• To satisfy personal goals & ambitions

Route of Expedition• 1271-1275 travelled overland across the Silk Road to China• present-day Armenia, Persia (Iran), and Afghanistan• 1292-1295 – returned via Iran by sea & land and went along

coast of Black Sea and past Constantinople

http://www.shunya.net/Text/Islam/Maps/MarcoPoloMap.jpg

Hardships Faced

• high mountains & scorching deserts

• Invaders & bandits• Sickness & food poisoning • Jealous members of the

Mongol court• disease, storms, & pirate

attacks on return home

Other Notable Occurrences

• Spend 17 years in China serving under Kublai Khan• Travelled across the Mongol Empire bringing back news of

happenings in each province• Reached far-flung parts of Mongolia, Manchuria, & Siberia

http://www.heritagemadison.org/marco_polo2.htm

• 1st European to cross entire continent of Asia

• The Travels of Marco Polo• His tales opened a new world of

wonders to Europeans• Inspired generations of explorers• Eventually led to the age of exploration

in 16th century• Led indirectly to discovery of North

America• Helped spread the use of coal, paper

money, and rice & noodles

Historical Contributions

Bibliography

Otfinoski, Steven. Great Explorations: Marco Polo – To

China and Back, Terrytown NY: Benchmark Books, 2003

http://www.silk-road.com/artl/marcopolo.shtml

http://encarta.msn.com/