Marco Polo

Birth

Sep 15, 1254

Marco Polo was born in Venice to a wealthy family. He was raised by extended family because his mother died when he was young. His father worked with his uncle as successful jewel merchants and also worked for Kublai Khan.

Start of Journey to Kublai Khan

Jan 1, 1271

Marco Polo's father and uncle were going back to China and decided to bring him with them.

Journey to Kublai Khan

Period: Jan 1, 1271 to Jan 1, 1275

Polo's father and uncle went back to Kublai Khan and brought him with them. They had to cross harsh, challenging land and almost turned back to go home. In Afghanistan Marco Polo got sick and retreated into the mountains to recouperate.This trip embeded memories into Marco Polo that he would remember forever.

Arrive in China

Jan 1, 1275

After four years, Marco Polo, his father, and his uncle arrived in China and stayed with Kublai Khan.

Stayed in China

Period: Jan 1, 1275 to Jan 1, 1292

The Polo's were originally going to stay in China for only a few years but they ended up staying for 17. During this time period Marco Polo learned four languages. Kublai Khan made him an envoy, promoted him to governor of a Chinese state, a late official of the Privy Council, and at some point Marco was also a tax collector.

Marco Polo Journey Home Starts

Jan 1, 1292

Kublai Khan didn't want Marco Polo to leave and in order to go Marco Polo had to escort a Mongolian princess to Persia (because she was supposed to marry a Persian prince.

Marco Polo's Journey Home

Period: Jan 1, 1292 to Jan 1, 1295

On his way home, Marco Polo had to lead a Mongolian Princess to Persia to get married. The journey lasted three years and was very difficult. At the beginning of his trip, Marco had hundreds of men and in the end, he only had eighteen. In Turkey, three-fourths of Marco Polo's family wealth was taken.

Home

Jan 1, 1295

Marco Polo finally reaches home.

Imprisoned

Jan 1, 1298

A few years after arriving home in Venice, Marco Polo became a commander of a ship in a war against Genoa. He was arrested and put into a cell with a man named Rustichello. Marco Polo told Rustichello of his time in China., where he travelled, and what he accomplished. Rustichello wrote a book on him called "The Description of the World" or more commonly known as "The Travels of Marco Polo".

Released from Jail

Jan 1, 1299

Marco Polo was released from jail and returned to Venice. His book was the most popular thing to read in Europe. People accused him of lying about his adventures but he said "I have not told half of what I saw".

Back In Venice

Period: Jan 1, 1299 to Jan 1, 1324

After being in Jail, Marco Polo returned to Venice. He got married (a woman named Donata), had three daughters (named Belela, Fantina, and Moreta), and lived a "normal" life for 25 years. Many people accused him of lying in Rustichello's book but he denied it every time.

Death

Jan 8, 1324

Marco Polo died in Venice with his friends, family, and fans of his book visiting him at his deathbed.