Page 18 - Networks of Exchange 1200-1450
P. 18
Trade Routes -
Cultural Consequences
Marco Polo
● In the late 13th century, Marco Polo left his home in
Venice, and traveled for many years in China.
● Accompanied by his father and uncle, who were
merchants anxious to stimulate trade between
Venice along the trade routes east.
● Met the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, who was
interested in his travel stories and convinced him to
stay as an envoy to represent him in different parts
of China.
● Served the khan for 17 years before returning home,
where he was captured by Genoans at war with
Venice.
● While in prison, he entertained his cellmates with
stories about China: One prisoner compiled the
stories into a book that became wildly popular in
Europe, even though many Europeans could not
believe that the fabulous places that Polo described
could ever exist.
