For example, he described the stables housing over 10,000 pure white horses and the palace dining hall seating over 6,000 dinner guests. In Italy, Polo’s travel account is known as Il Milione, or “The Million Lies.” His accounts of the Khan’s riches were so unbelievably large that people assumed they were false.

He recounts a detailed history of the Mongol lineage and triumphs, and he provides an immense amount of knowledge about people and customs throughout India. He was obviously infatuated with the culture and people he encountered.

From accounts of men who were part dog to stories of gilded cities nearly blinding to behold, Polo’s tales were extravagant and fanciful. The fantastic Book of the Wonders of the World, which is also known as The Tales of Marco Polo, recounts a series of incredible adventures. In 1298 –99, he dictated his stories into a book, although scholars are unsure where or when it was first published. Polo spent 24 years traveling in China, 17 of which were in the Khan’s employ. When they arrived at the court of Kublai Khan, the ruler was pleased to welcome them and immediately took Marco into his employ.įluent in four languages and with a mind for detail, Marco was appointed to a high position in the Khan’s administration and performed special missions for him in Burma, India, and throughout China. The Polos sailed across the Mediterranean Sea and traveled by land to Persia, through the Gobi Desert, and to Beijing. When Marco’s father and uncle procured the oil and set out to return to China in 1271, 17-year-old Marco accompanied them. Complete by Marco Polo and Rustichello of Pisa, translated by Henry YuleThe Travels of Marco Polo is the usual English title of Marco Polo's travel book, nicknamed Il Milione or Le Livre des Merveilles (The Book of Wonders). Marco Polo before Kublai Khan, painted by Tranquillo Cremona (1837-1878)

The travels of marco polo complete