Marco Polo

     

      Marco Polo was one of the most famous travellers of the world. He was born on 8th January, 1254, in Venice, Italy. His father was Nicolo Polo and mother was Nicole Anna Defuseh. Although he was born to a wealthy Venetian merchant family, much of Marco Polo's childhood was spent parentless. When Marco was young his mother passed away, therefore his childhood was a little bit unhappy. Marco Polo known to us as a traveller, in fact he was not only a traveller but a merchant and writer also. Donata Badoer was his wife, and they have three daughters; Fantina, Bellela and Moretta.

   In 1271, when Marco Polo was nearly 17 years old, he started his journey to China with his father (Nicolo Polo) and uncle (Maffeo Polo). They went part of the way by ship and the rest of the way by land. It was a long, arduous journey over mountains, across rivers and even a desert (Gobi). Many a time, they run out of food and water but their courage kept them going. It took them nearly three and a half years to reach Beijing, China.

     During this time, the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan was ruling in Peking (modern Beijing). Kublai Khan was very happy to see them and liked Marco very much. Soon he sent Marco to different parts of his kingdom and enjoyed listening to his experiences. Marco Polo appointed as the governor of one the provinces of Kublai Khan's kingdom. Marco's father and uncle also had important positions. They stayed in China for about 17 years and became very rich. Then one day they wanted to return home. But Kublai Khan would not let them go, however, at last they were able to go back to Venice.

  Kublai Khan gave them ships and many costly gifts. They passed through India on their way. From Persia they travelled to Venice and reached there in 1995. But when they reached there, their friends as well as relatives in Venice failed to recognise them at first as they had been away for 24 years. However, they were able to convince the people about the truth of their stories by inviting them to a banquet and showing them the jewels and precious stones they had brought.

   In 1298, Marco was captured and put in prison. In the prison, there was a writer named Rustichello Da Pisa who wrote down his adventures for him. The book is called "The Travels of Marco Polo". This book is very popular all over the world. It helped to improve maps and charts. And also increased men's knowledge of the world and inspired others to travel. Columbus, the discoverer of America, was inspired by Marco Polo's book. However, Genoese-Venetian peace treaty in 1299 allowed Marco Polo to return home.

   Marco Polo was confined to bed, in 1323, due to illness and on 8th January,1324 at the age of 70 he passed away.