Marco Polo

First Crusade

Dec 19, 1095

The first crusade began in 1095. The Middle East principalities are established with respect towards the Roman church. There are more crusades to come.

Second Crusade

Dec 19, 1145

This is the year of the Second Crusade. Saladin drove crusaders back to the sea. The crusades continued on and another was about 40 years later.

Third Crusade

Dec 19, 1189

This is the Third Crusade. It took place in the year 1189. Richard the Lionheart retakes Acre.

Fourth Crusade

Dec 19, 1202

This was the fourth crusade. This was also the last crusade to take place. Constantiniople is seized and governed by Venetians.

Death of Genghis Khan

Dec 19, 1227

Tumujin elected Genghis as the Great Khan. Mogols began building their empire taking eastern Europe, Asia, India, and China. Then in 1227, he passed away.

1254

Jan 1, 1254

Marco Polo was born in the year 1254. He was born into a very wealthy family. He would travel all over with his father and his uncle.

100 Year War

Dec 19, 1256

This year was where a war called the 10 year war was fought. It was fought between Venice and Genoa. Venice had won the war, and there was a treaty signed in 1268.

Death of Marco's mother

Jan 1, 1260

Marco's mother died during his childhood and he was raised by an aunt and uncle. They raised him like he was their own and he learned many important things like foreign currency and appraising from them.

Marco Polo travels

Jan 1, 1271

Marco Polo went with his father and uncle on his very first journey. They went to Cathay, which is now present day China.

Going to China

Jan 1, 1274

Marco Polo met Kublai Khan when he arrived. Khan sent Marco on a mission for him. Marco Polo traveled across China, and he did his mission so well that Kublai Khan decided Marco would work for him. Marco Polo became close with ruler of China, and even became the ruler of one of Kublai Khan's cities.

Returning to Venice

Jun 1, 1296

Marco Polo finally returned to Venice with his family. They found it was at war with Genoa. Marco joined forces, but he was captured and was soon a prisoner of war. In prison he met a writer, and he told the writer about his travels. The writer wrote down Marco's stories.

Imprisonment

Dec 19, 1298

Marco Polo is imprisoned at Genoa following the battle of Kurzola. There, he met a writer, Rustichello of Pisa, and they began writing a book of Marcos travels. Marco wasnt realeased until the next year.

Freedom

Dec 19, 1299

Marco was released as a prisoner of war in Genoa. At about this time, Marco marries a Venetian, Donata. They had three daughters together.

Famous life

Dec 19, 1307

Marco's book was published, and named "'II Milione'". This book was about all the travels of Marco Polo's life. Whoever read this book could learn about one of the greatest explorers of all time.

Death

Dec 19, 1324

On this day, Marco Polo had died. Polo had lived to be about 70 years old. He was buried in the church of San Lorenzo.

Ming Dynasty

Dec 19, 1368

The Ming dynasty is established in China. This took place in 1368. The barriers between East and West remain in place for many generations.