by Marco Polo

Born in 1254 in Venice, Italy, Marco Polo was the son of a prosperous merchant family. At the age of 17, young Marco accompanied his father, Nicolo, and his uncle, Maffeo, on a three-year journey to China that took the travelers through Persia, Afghanistan, and other countries. In 1275 the three Polos were warmly received at the imperial court of the Mongol warlord Kublai Khan in China. Marco, in particular, became a favorite with the Great Khan, who employed the young man on public missions that sent him to various parts of the empire. The Polos remained in China 17 years. Returning to Venice in 1295, they resumed their business as merchants there. In 1298 Marco Polo became involved in a sea battle between the rival Venetian and Genoese fleets; the Venetians suffered defeat and Marco was taken prisoner. While captive, he dictated...