Marco Polo

Marco Polo (c.1254 – January 8-9, 1324) is a Venetian merchant traveler whose travels are recorded in Livres des merveilles du monde, a book that does much to introduce Europeans to Central Asia and China.

He learns the mercantile trade from his father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo, who travel through Asia, and apparently meet Kublai Khan.

In 1269, they return to Venice to meet Marco for the first time.

The three of them embark on an epic journey to Asia, returning after 24 years to find Venice at war with Genoa; Marco is imprisoned, and dictates his stories to a cellmate.

He is released in 1299, becomes a wealthy merchant, marries and has three children.

He dies in 1324, and is buried in San Lorenzo.

His pioneering journey inspires Christopher Columbus and others.

Marco Polo's other legacies include Venice Marco Polo Airport, the Marco Polo sheep, and several books and films.

He also has an influence on European cartography, leading to the introduction of the Fra Mauro map.

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