Marco Polo

By: David Bettenhausen and Connor Daly

Why Polo is the MVEE

We think that Marco Polo is the most valuable explorer because not only did he travel to an unknown land and discover many new things, but he also wrote a book about his travels and inspired many other explorers including Christopher Columbus to explore unknown areas.

Marco Polo’s Route

This image shows Marco Polo’s route.

Marco Polo (1254-1324) was an Italian voyager and merchant who was one of the first Europeans to travel across Asia through China.

Marco Polo’s Travel Story

In 1271 Marco Polo set off from the city of Venice on a great trek across Asia to China. Only 17 years old at the time, Polo journeyed with his father and uncle, both Venetian merchants. Traveling on camels for more than 3 years, the merchants crossed almost 7000 miles of mountains and deserts. Finally they reached the palace of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China. There Marco Polo spent 17 years working for the Khan and learning much about China’s advanced culture.

Marco Polo’s Discoveries

When Marco Polo came back from Asia, he returned with noodles, spices, herbs, glass, paper, silk, and medicine.