Movie Lesson: Marco Polo
1269 1299
In 1269, Niccolò and Maffeo Polo returned to Venice, meeting Marco for the first time. In 1271, Marco Polo (at seventeen years of age), his father, and his uncle set off for Asia on the series of adventures that were later documented in Marco's book. They returned to Venice in 1295, 24 years later, with many riches and treasures. They had travelled almost 15,000miles (24,140km). Upon their return, Venice was at war with Genoa, and Marco Polo was taken prisoner. He spent the few months of his imprisonment dictating a detailed account of his travels to fellow inmate, Rustichello da Pisa, who incorporated tales of his own as well as other collected anecdotes and current affairs from China. The book became known as The Travels of Marco Polo, and depicts the Polos' journeys throughout Asia, giving Europeans their first comprehensive look into the inner workings of the Far East, including China, India, and Japan. Marco Polo was finally released from captivity in August 1299, and returned home to Venice, where his father and uncle had purchased a large house in the central quarter named contrada San Giovanni Crisostomo. The company continued its activities and Marco soon became a wealthy merchant. Polo financed other expeditions, but never left Venice again.
Objectives:
1. Examine the role of Marco Polo with respect to the Age of Discovery. What were his strengths and weakness? What led him to this “course of action”?
2. Discuss the importance of the Mongol Empire with respect to world history.
3. Discuss the relationship between Marco Polo and Kublai Khan.
4. Why did Europeans find the “Travels of Marco Polo” so hard to believe?
5. Critique the movie. What surprised you about this true story? What did you learn from it?
Key People: Key Terms: Key Concepts/Events:
Marco Polo Pope Gregory X Doge of Venice mercantile Crusades
Niccolo Polo Maffeo Polo Ali Ben Yussouf Saracen Pax Mongolia
Rustichello Kublai Khan Achmed infidel Silk Road
Monica Phags-Pa Jacopo sede vacante Venitian Republic
Prince Chinkin Empress Chabi Nayan Tartars Il Milione
China