Marco Polo

Marco Polo was born

1254

Marco Polo is born in Venice, Italy, into a family of merchants.

Marco goes on 1st journey

1271

At age 17, Marco travels with his father and uncle along the Silk Road to China.

Marco meets Kublai Khan

1275

After 4 years of travel, Marco meets the powerful Mongol ruler, Kublai Khan, in China.

Marco Lived in China

Period: 1275 to 1292

He becomes a messenger and explorer for Kublai Khan.

Marco's Journey Back To Venice

1292

Marco and his family help escort a Mongol princess by sea back to Persia (modern-day Iran). Then he made his way back home

Marco Return to Venice

1295

After 24 years away, Marco returns home to Venice with amazing stories and treasures. But nobody remembered him and they thought he was lying.

Marco was sent to Jail

1298

During a war between Venice and Genoa, Marco was in Genoa. So the Gentians captured him and put him prison.

Marco made a book in Jail called The Travels of Marco Polo

1299

While in prison, Marco tells his adventures to a writer named Rustichello, who turns them into a famous book.