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Marco Polo Biography | Learn English through Stories
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Marco Polo

Marco Polo

A Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled through Asia along the Silk Road and documented his journey, introducing Europeans to the East.

This biography of Marco Polo helps you learn English through real historical stories.

born1254
died1324
nationalityVenetian
known fortraveling the Silk Road and writing 'The Travels of Marco Polo'
fieldexploration and trade

Key Takeaways

  • He traveled the Silk Road to China at the age of 17
  • He served the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan as an envoy for 17 years
  • His book introduced Europeans to advanced Asian technologies like paper money and coal
  • His stories heavily stimulated Asia-Europe trade and inspired future explorers

Life Timeline

1254
Born in Venice, Italy
1271
Departed Venice with his father and uncle for Asia
1275
Arrived at the court of Kublai Khan in China
1292
Left China to return to Venice
1295
Arrived back in Venice after 24 years of travel
1298
Dictated his book, 'The Travels of Marco Polo', while in prison

Biography Reading: Marco Polo

background

Marco Polo was born in 1254 in Venice, Italy, to a wealthy merchant family. His father and uncle were already traveling in Asia, building a trading business. When he was just 17 years old, Marco joined them on an epic journey heading east. They traveled along the famous Silk Road, crossing vast deserts and towering mountains, facing extreme weather and dangerous bandits in search of valuable trade goods.

achievement

In 1275, they reached China and the magnificent court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor. The Khan was deeply impressed by Marco Polo's intelligence and ability to speak several languages. As a result, Marco served as a special envoy for the emperor for 17 years, traveling across the vast Mongol Empire. During this time, he witnessed amazing things that were completely unknown in Europe, such as the use of paper money, coal for heating, and a highly efficient postal system.

impact

After 24 years away, Marco Polo finally returned to Venice in 1295. A few years later, he was captured during a war and put in prison. While locked up, he dictated the stories of his travels to a cellmate. His resulting book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," became a massive bestseller. It greatly expanded European knowledge of Asian geography and culture, heavily stimulated Asia-Europe trade, and inspired future generations of explorers, including Christopher Columbus, to seek new routes to the East.

Essential Vocabulary

merchant
a person whose job is to buy and sell products in large amounts
epic
happening over a long period of time and involving a lot of difficulties
envoy
a messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission
dictate
to speak aloud in order that your words may be copied or recorded
stimulate
to encourage something to grow, develop, or become active
postal system
a public department or corporation responsible for the mail delivery

Knowledge Check Quiz

FACTUAL1 / 4

Who did Marco Polo serve for 17 years while in China?

Flashcards

Flashcard
Who was Marco Polo?
A Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled the Silk Road to Asia.
1 / 9

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