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Jan 1, 1271
Leaving Venice
Marco, Maffeo and Niccolò start their journey to Asia by using the Silk Road. -
Jan 1, 1274
Reaching Cathay
After 3 and a half years, Marco and his father and uncle reach Kublai's empire. There, he becomes a good friend of Kublai Khan. -
Jan 1, 1275
Marco Polo Becomes Kublai's Messenger
Kublai Khan liked Marco a lot and used foreigners like Marco to help him give advice. Slowly Marco and Kublai began building up trust in one another and Marco became Kublai's messenger. Marco started getting promoted and traveled to other distant lands in Asia. -
Jan 1, 1280
Governor of Yangzhou
Kublai Khan promotes Marco to Governor of the city Yangzhou. Then Kublai gives permission for Marco to leave China but he has to drop a Persian princess at Persia on his way home. -
Jan 1, 1295
Return to Venice
After a 24 year journey, Marco Polo returns to Venice. In his book, The Travels of Marco Polo, Marco says that Kublai unwillingly let Marco leave. In Marco's book, The Travels of Marco Polo, he says that Niccolò, Marco's father asked if they could leave Kublai's empire. The upsetted Kublai says, "Why do you wish to go to die on the way?" Tell me. If you have need of gold, I will give you much more of it than you have at home, and likewise every other thing for which you shall ask."
