Kublai Kahn died during the Polos return to Venice, sending the Mongol empire into decline and crushing any chance that Marco would ever return to the Far East. 3. The Mongols reportedly dried milk, and, while riding, would add water to the milk in a flask. He was only a . Dark band on lateral side of the body separates these two types of wool. The Polos were only allowed to leave the Great Kahns realm in 1292, when they agreed to escort a Mongol princess to Persia by sea. But there was no dearth of a skeptic Venetian who refused to believe him. [8] Mongolia was admitted into the United Nations in 1961. Though he wasnt the first European to reach China, Marco Polo was the first to leave a detailed chronicle of his experience. Marco Polo may be the most storied Far East traveler, but he. This journey was originally meant to last for a brief period but ended up stretching up to 20 years. He never elaborated on which four they were, but from his writings, historians have surmised they were Mongolian, Persian, Arabic, and Turkish not Chinese. 25 Adventurous Facts About Marco Polo 1. 2. Here are some facts about Marco Polo. 26. Of these, the yak seemed to be Polos favorite: Impressed by the silky softness of their fur, he brought yak hair back to Venice with him, where he displayed it as a curiosity. Fact 2. At 15 years of age is when Marco Polo physically met his estranged father and uncle for the first time. The two brothers did not return to Italy until 1269 when Marco was 15 years old. . A large portion of his wealth went to his wife and his three daughters. Marco wrote a hugely successful book called the Travels of Marco Polo. When he returned from his adventures, he brought back stories that helped introduce Europeans to Asia, and contributed to demystifying the largely unknown continent. Marco Polos name became a household name upon the release of his book, The Travels of Marco Polo. Rustichello of Pisca, a talented writer of romances, acted as his ghostwriter. He traveled to China when he was 17 years of age. 22 Nelson Mandela Facts for Kids. Marco Polo's first expedition to Asia was with strangers Polos leaving Constantinople - Wikipedia In 1271 Marco Polo. The detailed knowledge outlined in the book suggests he certainly did make this journey, however, some historians argue that he documented stories of other travels, who had been to Asia, whom he encountered in his travels. The following short biography information provides basic facts and information about the life and history of Marco Polo a famous Medieval character of the Middle Ages: Nationality: Italian - Marco Polo was born in Venice 6. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Once they moved out of Mongol territory, Marco, Niccolo and Maffeo could no longer rely on Kublai Kahns protection. As the travelers passed through the kingdom of Trebizond, in modern-day Turkey, the local government robbed them of some 4,000 Byzantine gold coins. If Marco Polo sounds a little bit superstitious, its likely because he lived in superstitious times. Kublai Khans summer palace was called Xanadu. See more ideas about true interesting facts, unbelievable facts, interesting facts about world. LATER. 4. While Polos historical significance isnt up for debate, its unclear which of his tales stretched the truth. 15. Niccolo and Maffeo had set out on their journey just before Marco was born in 1254 (birthplace pictured), leaving Marco's mother to raise him alone, per History . 18. Marco Polo was born in 1254 in Venice, Italy. Ironically, this book describing Marcos free roaming years was written in a confined prison. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18th, 1918 in Mvezo, Cape Province, Union of South Africa. He demonstrated a curiosity for his surroundings, and claimed to have learned four languages. Marco Polo reportedly never left Venice over the last two decades of his life, and if he had any ideas of going back to Asia these dreams were shut down by the death of Kublai Khan. Columbus took a copy of Marco Polo's book with him when he set off to find a new route to the Orient. One Of The Largest In The World. When Marco Polo returned to Europe in 1295, his adventures were far from over. Facts about everything including Animals, Art, Literature, Science, History, Entertainment, People, Religion, Places and the Environment. Throughout his travels, Polo encountered many unusual animals that he often mistook for mythical creatures. He was often away and lived in for a time in Constantinople. He has traveled the equivalent of 44 countries. 17. While they succeeded, the mission apparently proved to be the most perilous leg of the Polos journey. Marco polo knew four languages. The journey to Persia was a perilous one, and many died, but the Polos arrived safely. When exploring the Mongol Empire Marco encountered the paper money for the first time. 3. Learn these tidbits about 'Wheel of Fortune's' letter-turn leading lady. The Franciscan monk Giovanni da Pian del Carpini reached China in the 1240sover 20 years before Polo left Europeand gained an audience with the Great Kahn of the Mongol empire. They are shaped like corkscrew, positioned nearly parallel to the ground. Polo traveled extensively with his family, journeying from Europe to Asia from 1271 to 1295 and remaining in China for 17 of those years. Marco Polo barely knew his father and uncle when they . In 1298, three years after he returned from his journey, Polo was captured after leading a Venetian galley into battle against the rival Italian city-state of Genoa. It also helps these naysayers that no mention of Marco Polo has been found in any historic Chinese records. While in Asia Marco Polo encountered strange creatures that were unknown to him like the elephants, monkeys and many more creatures. The paper money was an unknown concept in Europe during Marcos era. 10. After his return from Asia, Marco Polo thoroughly documented his encounters with unfamiliar animals such as elephants, monkeys and crocodiles. There are more than 200 million containers in the world, out of which more than 50% are owned, and the rest are leased. We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel. Worried that their departure would make him appear weak, the elderly Kublai Kahn initially refused to release his favorite envoys from service. 31. Fact 3. The trip was initially meant to be a brief stay at the court of Kublai Khan but it ended up lasting for more than 20 years in which Marco Polo got to travel and explore the great empire of Kublai Khan. The trip was most likely the first time that he journeyed away from home. They wanted to leave as Kublai Khan was in his 80s, and they feared that a regime change upon his death would also mean the death of all foreigners. Take a look below for 30 more fascinating and interesting facts about Marco Polo. Marco Polo wasn't an explorer until Kublai Khan took interest in him. Polo would later mention the fictional monarch in his book, and even described him as having fought a great battle against the Mongol ruler Genghis Kahn. He is famous for having once gone on a trip to Asia. Columbus is said to have been inspired by Polo's adventures and took a copy of The Travels of Marco Polo on his Westward sail two centuries after Polo's journey to China. Beer: 10 interesting facts! Fact 1. It is on the basis of his words that there is knowledge of geography, the history of Armenia, Iran, China and many . In The Travels of Marco Polo, he mentions observing the mountain sheep on the Pamir Plateau in Badakhshan [now northeastern Afghanistan]. Some people debate over the location where he was born. Marco Polo was born in Venice, Italy. FUN FACTS. His travels are recorded in Livres des merveilles du monde, a book that described to Europeans the wealth and great size of China, its capital Peking and other Asian cities and countries. Marco Polos elaborate descriptions of the royal palace at Xanadu, the metropolis of Quinsai (modern-day Hangzhou) and the many wonders of the Orient were simply too much for some readers to believe. Laurence Bergreen, in his excellent book Marco Polo: From Venice To Xanadu, argues that Polo was an opium addict. Around 1292, the Polo volunteered to escort a Mongol princess to Persia, and aimed to head to Europe after. Marco began his journey of travels at the age of 17, with his father and uncle, in the year 1271. Horns start to grow 15 to 20 days after birth. There's a sequel. In 1841, zoologist Edward Blyth named a species of sheep Ovis ammon polii after Marco Polo (the sheep are colloquially called Marco Polo sheep).. He traveled to and throughout China during the 13th century. 3. FACTS ABOUT EARLY LIFE. Marco narrated his journey and encounters due East which Rustichello penned it down. He Traveled with Niccolo and Maffeo Polo. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. 49. All Rights Reserved. Several hundred years after his death, a species of sheep was named after Marco Polo. He told of his journeys that can be found in the book titled "A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of . The elephant bird, genus name Aepyornis, was the largest bird that ever lived, a 10-foot, 1,000-pound behemoth ratite (flightless, long-legged bird) that stomped across the island of Madagascar. Marco Polo is a famous historic figure who even has a TV show dedicated to his adventures! Marco Polo was born in Venice Italy he traveled extensively with his family. Body of Marco Polo sheep is covered with woolly coat that is dark brown on the upper side and white on the underside. Niccolo and Maffeo's First Journey Marco Polo was born in the Republic of Venice on September 15, 1254. A few months before Marco Polo was born in 1254, his father Niccolo and uncle Maffeo left Italy on a trading excursion to Asia. Marco Polo was gone from Venice for 24 years. Tragedy struck, however, when his mother died while Marco was still at an early age, meaning he was raised by extended . Riding with said flask would cause the mixture to churn, resulting ina thick syrup. The journey was dangerous and only 117 of the 700 original travelers survived. East . Polo learned the mercantile trade from his father and his uncle, Niccolo and Maffeo, who traveled through Asia and met Kublai Khan. They were finally able to return home when they convinced him that they should be the escorts for Princess Kokachin, who was to marry his great nephew, the Il-Khan, who ruled Persia. Marco Polo, (born c. 1254, Venice [Italy]died January 8, 1324, Venice), Venetian merchant and adventurer who traveled from Europe to Asia in 1271-95, remaining in China for 17 of those years, and whose Il milione ("The Million"), known in English as the Travels of Marco Polo, is a classic of travel literature. On the other hand, the majority of historians are prone to believe the Marco did indeed make it to China and work in the service of Kublai Kahn, especially because of the preponderance of cultural information in the book. Nelson Mandela is most famous for dismantling apartheid in South Africa. The Polos finally grew homesick, but Khan valued their services so much, he refused to let them go. He travelled along the Silk Road from Europe to China, where he experienced and documented much of Asia not yet explored by Europeans. Early life Marco Polo was. Want to learn about Marco Polo? But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Marco, Maffeo and Niccolo were also employed as emissaries for the Mongol emperor Kublai Kahn, whom the elder Polos had met and befriended on an earlier journey east. Christopher Columbus went by many names, including Xpoual de Colon. Pin. Other Catholic emissaries would later follow, including William of Rubruck, who traveled east in the 1250s on a quest to convert the Mongols to Christianity. He recorded his experiences in Il Milione (The Million), published in English as The Travels of Marco Polo. . Khan, too, died while they were on this mission, so they were able to return to Venice following the wedding. It was the largest contiguous empire in the world. All Rights Reserved. He was born in Venice. He called himself Xpoual de Colon. Many of us have spent a summer's afternoon in a swimming pool playing the tag game of Marco Polo, but did you know that the Venetian merchant also has a species of sheep named after him? Marco Polo () is a song by White Diamond that was performed on Episode 7 of the taiwanese survival show DD52. It doesn't help his case that there were many exaggerations in The Travels of Marco Polo, plus there were also interesting exclusions, such as the fact that he failed to mention the use of chopsticks for eating, or that he had seen the Great Wall. Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. Share. 2. Not a lot is known about Marco Polo after his return to Venice in 1295. The it child shouts the word Marco while the other kids yell Polo to aid the it child to move to their direction. For instance, the famous traveler often fictitiously inserted himself into battle scenes and court intrigues. Marco Polo was born in Europe in 1254 and traveled to China with his uncle and father, where he began traveling on expeditions commissioned by Khubilai Khan. During the time of its largest extent, it covered a vast area of 9.3 square miles or 23 million square km; about 16 . He was fascinated by how the Mongol residents cared for this precious commodity, and he learned everything there was to learn about it. He was born into a family of wealthy merchants. Read Some interesting facts regarding marco polo that kids should know by The Steps of Marco Polo Foundation on Issuu and browse thousands of other. 28. Explore the real Marco Polo and decipher the man from the many myths. Learn the saint's real heritage and other information about the man we celebrate every year on March 17. Marco was imprisoned and dictated his stories to a cellmate. 5. Davide Santon. In addition to his native tongue, Polo wrote that he knew four languages. Instead, the book was written by the 13th-century romantic author Rustichello of Pisa. Christopher Columbus carried a copy of Polos book with him on his voyages, and had even planned to follow Polos route and make contact with the Kublai Khans successor. And in the 1960s, a group of travelers even decided to follow Marco Polos exact route, journeying from Italy to China in cars and trailers instead of on horseback. Marco Polos travels have inspired plenty of explorers to go on adventures of their own. Lasting Legacy Polo's chronicle of his adventures inspired the explorers who followed him. Marco knew four languages and now he lays in the . 10. In 1298, Marco Polo was captured after leading a Venetian galley into battle against the rival Genoa, an Italian rival city-state. In fact,. Plus, there are those who have used his journal to retrace his footsteps, and they declare the geography to be so accurate, they believe the trip happened. 30. He helped the Emperor by adopting certain diplomatic techniques to compete against the non-Mongolian authorities. In 1298, three years after his return, Polo was made a gentleman commander of a Venetian ship. Marco Polo was born on 15th September 1254 in Venice. Kublai Khan made Niccolo and Maffeo part of his court and liked Marco so much that he eventually made him governor of a Chinese city, a tax inspector and gave him a seat on his Privy Council. Marco Polo is a famous merchant who explored Asia along the Silk Road, Marco Polo is most well-known for his exploration of China in the 13th century, Marco Polo was born in 1254 in Venice, Republic of Venice, Europe, Marco Polo is the son of Niccol Polo and Nicole Anna Defuseh, . The brothers returned to Venice in 1269, and it was only then that 15-year-old Marco finally met Niccolo, the father he never knew he had. While in prison, Polo met Rustichello of Pisa. Readers had some reason to be skeptical: Polo and his ghostwriter, Rustichello, were prone to exaggeration and flights of fancy. Marco's father and uncle were both wealthy jewel merchants. While most modern historians still believe the bulk of his book to be factual, others have dismissed it as an outright fabrication and claim that Polo never even made it to China. By the time of their release in 1299, the two men had completed the book that would make Marco Polo a household name. Marco Polo was an Italian (Venetian) merchant, explorer and writer born in Venice in 1254. They believe that the adventures described in his book were made up from stories he heard from others along the road he did travel. When the auto-complete results are available, use the up and down arrows to review and Enter to select. Polo also influenced European cartography, leading to the introduction of the Fra Mauro map. 3. Facts About Marco Polo Marco Polo was an Italian merchant adventurer. While the veracity of that story has long been debated, Polo did encounter some interesting foods. Polo never planned for his book to be read as a memoir. Kublai Kahns trust and protection allowed the Polos to move freely within the borders of the Mongol Empire. Jan. 02 1991 . It is posited that he returned to the family merchant business, but it is known that he married and had three daughters: Moretta, Fantina, and Bellela. 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