Marco Polo's Travels

Marco Polo was born in Venice, Italy, around 1254. When he was just 17 years old, he set off on an incredible journey to Asia with his father and uncle. They traveled for years along the Silk Road to reach China. Marco Polo spent about 17 years in China and met the great ruler Kublai Khan. When he came home, he wrote a book about his adventures that amazed people across Europe.

The Journey to China

Marco Polo's journey to China took about three and a half years. He crossed deserts, climbed mountains, and passed through many different lands. Along the way, he saw things no European had seen before. When he arrived in China, the great Mongol ruler Kublai Khan welcomed him. Marco became a favorite of the Khan and was given important jobs. He traveled all across China on the Khan's behalf.

His Famous Book

After returning to Venice, Marco Polo was captured during a war and put in prison. While there, he told his stories to a writer who turned them into a book called 'The Travels of Marco Polo.' The book described paper money, coal, and a mail system that Europeans had never heard of. Many people did not believe his stories. But his book inspired other explorers, including Christopher Columbus.

Fun Facts

• Marco Polo brought back noodles from China, which may have inspired Italian pasta.
• Kublai Khan had a palace with walls covered in gold and silver, according to Marco Polo.
• The swimming pool game 'Marco Polo' is named after the explorer.

Did You Know?

On his deathbed, when friends asked Marco Polo to admit he had made up his stories, he reportedly said, 'I have not told half of what I saw!'