What year did Marco Polo start exploring? This question has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries. Marco Polo, the famous Venetian merchant and explorer, embarked on one of the most remarkable journeys in history, which would change the course of global trade and exploration. Understanding the year he began his exploration is crucial to comprehending the impact of his travels on the world. In this article, we will delve into the details of Marco Polo’s early life, the factors that led him to embark on his journey, and the year he actually started exploring.
Marco Polo was born in Venice in 1254, during a time of great political and economic turmoil in Europe. His father, Niccolò Polo, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo, were merchants who had traveled to Asia in search of new trade routes. The Polo family had a long-standing interest in exploring the East, and Marco was fascinated by the tales of distant lands and exotic cultures his parents shared with him.
In 1260, when Marco was only six years old, his father and uncle set off on a journey to Asia. They were on a quest to find a new trade route to the lucrative markets of the East. However, their journey was fraught with peril, and they were captured by the Mongols, who were at the height of their power under Genghis Khan’s descendants.
Niccolò and Maffeo were imprisoned for several years, but Marco, being a child, was treated more leniently. During this time, he learned the Mongolian language and culture, which would prove invaluable to him later in life. After his father and uncle were released from captivity, they decided to take Marco with them on their return journey to Venice.
In 1269, the Polo family finally returned to Venice. Marco was now a young man, and his experiences in Asia had deeply influenced him. He was eager to explore the world further and share his knowledge of the East with his fellow Venetians. This desire led him to embark on his own journey to Asia, which would become the most famous part of his life.
The exact year Marco Polo started his exploration is a subject of debate among historians. Some believe he set off in 1271, while others argue that it was 1272. The most widely accepted theory is that he left Venice in 1271, at the age of 17. His journey took him through the Middle East, Persia, and eventually to the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China.
Marco Polo’s travels lasted for 24 years, during which he visited numerous countries and regions, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. He chronicled his experiences in a book called “The Travels of Marco Polo,” which became a bestseller in its time and has been translated into many languages.
In conclusion, the year Marco Polo started exploring is believed to be 1271. His journey to Asia and the knowledge he gained during his travels had a profound impact on the world, shaping the course of global trade and exploration. Marco Polo’s adventures continue to captivate the imagination of people around the world, and his legacy endures to this day.
