Los viajes de Marco Polo - Resumen con mapa

Summary

Marco Polo, born in 1254 in Venice, embarked on a remarkable journey across Asia, initially joining his father and uncle in trade. Traveling through Persia, China, and beyond, Polo explored vast regions of the Mongol Empire, earning the favor of Kublai Khan and becoming a trusted diplomat. He documented his travels, sharing insights about the Silk Road, innovative systems in China, and cultures previously unknown to Europe. After 24 years, Polo returned to Venice, where his experiences were recorded in a book that later inspired explorers like Christopher Columbus. Despite some skepticism about the details of his journey, his legacy endures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marco Polo was born in 1254 in Venice into a wealthy family of merchant travelers.
• 😀 During Marco Polo's time, Venice controlled key maritime trade routes in the Mediterranean, mainly importing Asian products.
• 😀 Asia was largely unknown to Europe, but the Mongol Empire, under the leadership of Genghis Khan's descendants, had already caused significant upheaval in Europe.
• 😀 Marco Polo's father, Niccolo, and his uncle Matteo traveled to Asia, where they became acquainted with the Mongol Empire and the famous Kublai Khan.
• 😀 Marco Polo reunited with his father at the age of 15 after a long journey by his father and uncle to Europe and back.
• 😀 Kublai Khan sent a letter to the Pope, inviting him to send Christian scholars to the Mongol court, a mission the Polo family attempted to fulfill.
• 😀 After multiple delays and long travels, Marco Polo joined his father and uncle on their second trip to Asia, entering the Ilkhanate of Persia and reaching China.
• 😀 Marco Polo was impressed by China's advanced infrastructure, including its road systems, postal services, and the use of paper money.
• 😀 He traveled extensively within China, discovering new cultures, and witnessing remarkable cities and technologies, including a large reclining Buddha and extensive canal systems in Suzhou.
• 😀 After 16 years in China, Marco Polo and his family embarked on a long journey back to Venice, documenting their travels, which later became a highly influential book, 'The Book of Wonders.'

Q & A

What was the significance of Marco Polo's family background in his journey?

Marco Polo was born into a wealthy merchant family in Venice, which had a long history of travel and trade. This provided him with the opportunity to explore Asia, as his family was involved in international commerce, especially in importing Asian products to Europe.

How did the Mongol Empire influence Marco Polo's travels?

The Mongol Empire, particularly under Kublai Khan, had a significant impact on Marco Polo's journey. The Mongols controlled vast territories, including the Silk Road, which allowed for relatively safe and efficient travel across Asia. This empire was central to the economic and diplomatic exchanges Polo experienced.

Why did Marco Polo's father, Niccolo, leave Constantinople with his brother Matteo?

Niccolo and Matteo left Constantinople due to increasing tensions between the Latin Christians and Greeks. They decided to focus on business in Asia, where opportunities were growing amidst the Mongol Empire's expansion.

What role did the Paiza play in Marco Polo's journey?

The Paiza was a golden tablet given to Marco Polo's family by Kublai Khan, which granted them safe passage, accommodation, and food throughout the Mongol Empire. This allowed them to travel without fear of being detained or harmed.

How did Marco Polo come into contact with Kublai Khan?

Marco Polo’s family initially arrived at the Mongol court after years of traveling through Asia. They were invited to meet Kublai Khan after he heard about their journey. Kublai Khan was impressed with them and soon employed Marco Polo in a diplomatic role.

What notable discovery did Marco Polo make about Chinese currency?

Marco Polo was one of the first Europeans to discover paper money in China. He observed how the Chinese used currency made from mulberry bark, which was exchanged for gold and jewels, a concept unfamiliar to Europeans at the time.

What observations did Marco Polo make about China’s infrastructure?

Marco Polo was impressed by China’s advanced infrastructure, especially the extensive network of roads and postal stations. He noted how trees were planted along roads for visibility, and how imperial posthouses provided accommodations and horses for travelers, ensuring swift communication across the empire.

How did Marco Polo describe the city of Suzhou?

Marco Polo described Suzhou as a city with numerous canals, earning it the nickname 'Capital of Silk.' It was one of the most important and developed cities he visited in China.

What was Marco Polo’s role during his time in Yangzhou?

Marco Polo claimed to have temporarily replaced the governor of Yangzhou, where he spent some time administering the city. His role likely involved overseeing trade and governance in this vital region.

How did Marco Polo’s observations influence European views on Asia?

Marco Polo’s detailed accounts of his travels in Asia, compiled in the book 'The Travels of Marco Polo,' sparked European fascination with the East. His stories introduced Europeans to the vast wealth, advanced technologies, and cultural differences of Asian societies, influencing explorers like Christopher Columbus.