Marco Polo

Marco Polo Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295, documenting his journey through China, Persia, and other parts of Asia in The Travels of Marco Polo. He spent 17 years in the service of Kublai Khan, the Mongol Emperor of China, and his detailed accounts of Eastern riches profoundly influenced European commerce, exploration, and cartography for centuries. His book inspired Christopher Columbus and helped open sustained contact between Europe and Asia.