Marco Polo

Born

Jan 1, 1254

Marco Polo was born in Venice, Italy in the year 1254. He was born to parents Niccolo Polo and Nicole Anna Defuseh. He went most of his childhood parentless because his mother died when he was young and his fathher and uncle went on a journey to China in 1260 when Marco was only 6.

Father and Uncle to China

Jan 1, 1260

In 1260 Marco's dad and uncle set out for a trading expedition on the silk road in China. His father and uncle left when Marco was only six years old. When in China they met Kublai Khan the leader of the Mongols. The two men returned to Venice, Italy in 1269.

Father and Uncle Return

Jan 1, 1269

In 1269 Marco's father and uncle returned to Italy from their journey in China. Kublai Khan made Marco's father and uncle ambassadors to his Mongol kingdom. They came back when Marco was fifteen, and two years they would travel back to Asia together.

The Polos Leave For Asia

Jan 1, 1271

In 1271 all three Polos left for Asia to meet Kublai Khan. It would be a long journey and there would be a lot of exploring on the way for Marco. Marco would also gain new and useful information that would help him later in his life. Marco would later write a book on his travels.

The Polo Arrive In Asia

Jan 1, 1274

In 1274 the Polos arive in China and are received warmly by the Mongols and Kublai Khan. Kublai Khan very excited to meet his two ambassador's son and nephew. The three men stayed in Asia for 17 years until they returned to Venice. Marco brought back many souveniers from Asia back to Venice.

All Three Polos Arrive Back In Venice

Jan 1, 1291

In 1291 the Polos arrived back in Venice after staying abroad in China for seventeen plus years. When they got back he wove incredible stories of eastern Asia that were so amazing some believe that they never made it to China and Marco was just making up these stories. Of course Marco did make it to Asia as we have evidence of this, and also most of his stories' details ended up being true.

11 Milione Created

Jan 1, 1296

In 1296 Marco Polo was captured by Genoese soldiers while Venice was at war with Genoa. The Genoese placed Marco Polo in prison where he began to write a book about his travels. This book was named 11 Milione (Decription of the World). This was a very popular piece of literature in Venice towards the end of Polo's life.

11 Milione Published

Jan 1, 1298

Marco Polo's book, 11 Milione was published in 1298 and was considered very popular in Venice. The book was one of few books published back then. The book was also not believed by some people in Venice, but it was widely accepted. The book can still be bought and read in today's time.

Marco Returns To Venice Again

Jan 1, 1299

In 1299 Marco was released from jail and returned to Venice for a second time in his life. This is where he would spend the rest of his life. Marco did no more traveling and lived the rest of his life in peace with his wife Donata.

Marco Polo Dies

Jan 8, 1324

Marco Polo had a very historic and eventful life. He might have been one of the greatest explorers and merchants of all time. He gave Europe very valuable information about Asia and helped them understand Asia's culture. This helped later relations with Europe and Asia and if this information had not been present something tragic might have happen.