Today in History

September 15, 1254

Marco Polo Born

Marco Polo was a merchant trader, not an explorer. However, the Venetian's family traveled far and wide during the later thirteenth century, earning them great acclaim as explorers. The Polos journeyed to China over the Silk Road and spent 17 years there as the favored guest of Kublai Khan. So trusted was Marco Polo, the Khan appointed him a governor of the city of Yahzhou. Upon his return to Europe, Marco Polo was made a prisoner by the city of Genoa. During his confinement, he dictated the book "Il Milione" which was translated into many languages as "The Travels of Marco Polo". The Silk Road's prominence as a land-route to China, however, soon gave way to more viable ocean routes.

You are free to use this content in your own newsletters and emails with your clients. Travel Research Online is a free service to all professional travel agents offering more than 650 destination guides, epostcards and other marketing and research tools.