Marco Polo
Follow Marco Polo on his amazing 24-year journey along the Silk Road to China!
An image of what Marco Polo may have looked like
ILLUSTRATION BY Duskbloom Littles
Get ready for an incredible adventure with Marco Polo, the young Italian explorer who traveled farther than anyone in his time! In 1271, when Marco was just 17 years old, he left his home in Venice with his father and uncle on a journey that would take 24 amazing years to complete.
Marco Polo traveled the famous Silk Road, a dangerous 4,000-mile trade route through deserts, mountains, and foreign kingdoms. This brave journey took him all the way to China, where he met the powerful emperor Kublai Khan and became one of his trusted advisors!
Marco Polo meeting Kublai Khan in his magnificent palace filled with gold and silk decorations
During his travels, Marco saw incredible things that Europeans had never heard of - paper money, coal for fuel, ice cream, and fireworks! He visited bustling markets filled with silk, spices, and precious jewels from across Asia.
A bustling Silk Road marketplace with merchants trading spices, silk, and precious stones from different countries
Marco Polo's incredible journey opened European eyes to the wonders of Asia and inspired future explorers to seek new adventures!
