Journey to Cathay

Marco Polo · 1271 CE – 1295 CE · Earth

Travel to the court of Kublai Khan.

Historical context

The Mongol peace briefly made overland travel from Europe to China possible. Marco's book, dictated in prison, shaped Europe's image of Asia for generations.

The voyage, step by step

1. Leaving Venice

   1271 CE

   Marco sets out with his father and uncle for the court of Kublai Khan.

2. Through Persia

   1272 CE

   The Polos cross Persia and the high plateau toward the east.

3. The high roads of Asia

   1274 CE

   They follow the trade roads of Central Asia across deserts and mountains.

4. At the court of the Khan

   1275 CE

   Marco reaches China and enters the service of Kublai Khan.

Outcome

Reached China, served the Khan and returned by sea.

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant who reached the court of Kublai Khan and whose book introduced Europeans to Asia’s wealth and geography.

Read on Wikipedia

Sources

• Marco Polo — Wikipedia

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