Born in 1254 in Venice, Italy, Marco grew up in a family of merchants who traveled frequently. From a young age, he was captivated by tales of distant lands filled with treasures and different cultures.
Adventure was in his blood. It wasn't long before he had an opportunity to do something nobody he knew had ever done.
At just 17, Marco embarked on an incredible journey to Asia with his father and uncle. They traveled through challenging landscapes, including deserts and mountains, to reach the court of Kublai Khan, the powerful ruler of the Mongol Empire. During his nearly 20 years in the East, Marco experienced the wonders of Chinese society, including its advanced technologies, unique customs, and delicious foods.
After returning to Venice, Marco's captivating stories of his travels were written down in a book called "The Travels of Marco Polo." This book opened up a whole new world for Europeans and inspired countless explorers, including Christopher Columbus.
Use the video to the right to learn about his adventure and to answer the questions on the Marco Polo Doc.