Marco Polo is one of the famous Italian merchants and travelers. He is famous for having once gone on a trip to Asia. It is on the basis of his words that there is knowledge of geography, the history of Armenia, Iran, China and many other countries.
It is also worth noting that during the trip of Christopher Columbus on the ship, it was this knowledge that helped in the search for a route to India.
The life of this person was very interesting and unusual. He loved to travel, write books, small notes. Marco lived up to 70 years. But at present, all that reminds of him is a small house. But even despite this, in the memory of people he will remain as the person who discovered this amazing and unknown world.
In this article, we will cover 10 interesting facts about Marco Polo.
10. Disputes about nationality
It is believed that even now it is not known what nationality was Marco Polo. He was born on the island of Korcula in 1254. This place was then owned by Venice.
It is known that at the age of 17 he traveled with his father and uncle to the Far East. But there is also an assumption that the boy simply wrote down the stories of merchants who went this way along the Black Sea coast.
Now scientists all over the world are arguing about who this man was - Italian or Croat, or maybe just an ordinary Pole.. His father was a simple merchant who was engaged in jewelry trade. Virtually no birth certificates have been preserved. That is why it is impossible to say with certainty who Marco really was.
9. He lived in China for 17 years
Since childhood, the boy was very fond of listening to his father's stories about various long-distance travels. That is why he hoped that when he grows up, he will also be able to go somewhere.
In fact, this happened; he was able to visit many states of the East. It is worth noting that Marco Polo traveled about 24 years of his life. In 1271 he went to faraway Asia, as he was sure that it would be much more profitable to trade there than in any other countries. The path lay through Great China.
At that time, the defeat of the Chinese dynasty took place here. The Venetians were introduced to the Mongol Khan, who accepted them and gave them horses. The ruler instructed the merchants to transmit to the Pope a request that he send him human scientists who would own seven free arts.
But when the travelers returned to their homeland, they discovered that the Pope had already passed away. But, nevertheless, they decided to make a new attempt to travel to the East. Many times stayed in cities in the largest eastern markets. For example, in Mosul they saw beautiful, silk and gold fabrics that really impressed them.
The journey lasted almost 3.5 years, when one day they reached one great city. They were met very cordially, but Marco Polo was amazed at the magnificent palaces, as well as noisy markets and endless shopping arcades.
He personally met with the ruler, with the khan, he offered to work with him. Marco joined the civil service. Lived in high esteem, luxury traveled quite a lot in China itself. Thus, the young man lived here all 17 years.
8. Was the governor of Yangzhou
There is also evidence that Marco Polo was governor of Yangzhou. It is one of the most beautiful cities in China. But in fact, there is no evidence for this. One can only assume that if Marco really worked for the khan, he could well have been the governor of the whole city.
7. Was imprisoned in a Genoese prison
Few know that once Marco Polo was jailed. And this happened for the reason that the Italian port cities were very actively trying to find out among themselves the relationship, who can earn more.
Venice and Genoa constantly robbed each other and arranged rather serious skirmishes. One of these serious battles took place in 1298.
The fleets of the Genoese were in the Adriatic Sea, they tried to head towards Venice. And the Venetians sent 90 ships to meet, but fell into a storm. As a result of the meeting, they still tried to retire, but the wind blew in the wrong direction.
The Admiral of the Genoese Fleet decided that it was necessary to take a chance, and then the carnage began. The Venetian fleet was carried out almost completely. Many were sunk, some were captured. One of the prisoners was Marco Polo.
Later, he told in prison about his great adventures. One person managed to write it all down, and the only way there is information about how Marco Polo was able to get to China.
It is worth noting that after peace was concluded, Marco Polo was released to Venice and he lived there for quite some time.
6. Gave new knowledge to Europeans
Marco Polo was the man who discovered new knowledge for Europeans. For example, his merit is that the books caused them quite a lot of interest in China, as well as throughout Southeast Asia.
His works also prompted travelers to search for completely new ways. For almost several decades, they were the only source of information for many sailors and writers of the time.
5. The author of the "Book on the diversity of the world"
One of the most interesting books written by Marco Polo is called The Book on the Diversity of the World.. In it, he described how he traveled around Venice. As a result, he was able to open up completely new paths to spices to the whole European world, which were highly valued at that time. Also, a lot of valuable information on geography and ethnography is described.
It consists of a prologue and 3 parts. In the first part, he talks about the Middle East and Asia. Also describes in detail how he visited China. The second part tells about the country and the place where the khan lived. The third part is devoted more to coastal countries such as India, Japan. There are also descriptions of the great kings and wars that take place between them.
4. The author of "Book of Wonders of the World"
No less interesting Marco Polo’s book is called the “Book of Wonders of the World”. Here he described his travels in Asia, as well as Africa, which he had been making since 1276.
3. The first European to find a way to China
Marco Polo became the first European to find a way to China. You can read more about this in his famous books. They contain multiple descriptions of paths and visits to various places.
2. Introduced the "million" in the calculus
Marco Polo is also known for the fact that after visiting China, he wanted to convey his admiration for his incredible wealth. Just then coined the word "million".
During travels, Marco was often called "Senior Million. Such a term first appeared in printed arithmetic in 1478. But initially, nevertheless, the word appeared in his books.
1. Many contemporaries considered him a liar
No matter how much this man does for people, many contemporaries considered him a real liar. And this is due to the fact that in the books that he wrote, there is little truth. Geography and events are constantly different.
There were speculations that the books were simply based on fairy tales, and he himself did not even visit all these countries. Impressions are simply recorded based on the story of other people.