Mongolian EpicsTales of Mongol Conquests

Marco Polo at Kublai's Court

A Venetian traveler becomes a trusted advisor to the most powerful ruler of the Mongol Empire.

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Story Summary

Explore the legendary journey of Marco Polo at Kublai's Court, where the Venetian explorer bridges East and West in the heart of the Mongol Empire's grandeur.

After a grueling three-year journey across the Silk Road, young Marco Polo, alongside his father and uncle, finally reached the summer palace of Shangdu. There, he stood before Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis and the most powerful man on Earth. Unlike many rulers, the Great Khan was captivated by the young Venetian’s intelligence and his ability to master the local languages and customs. Marco did not merely visit; he stayed for seventeen years, serving as a trusted envoy and official. He marveled at the empire’s innovations: paper money, the efficient postal system, and the use of coal. Through the Khan’s favor, Marco traveled to the furthest reaches of the Mongol Empire, documenting wonders that Europeans would find impossible to believe. Their relationship became a legendary bridge between East and West, proving that curiosity and respect could unite even the most disparate of worlds.

The Moral

Open-mindedness and cultural curiosity can bridge the vastest distances between people and civilizations.

“I have not told half of what I saw, because I knew I would not be believed.”

Fun Fact

Marco Polo’s descriptions of coal and paper money were so foreign to Europeans that many initially dismissed his book as a collection of lies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Marco Polo at Kublai's Court?

The moral is that curiosity and respect for different cultures foster mutual understanding and progress. It shows how being open to new ideas can bridge the gap between vastly different civilizations.

Did Marco Polo really meet Kublai Khan?

Most historians believe that Marco Polo did reach China and served at the court, as his descriptions of the empire's geography and administration match historical records. However, some debate remains regarding the exact extent of his influence.

What did Marco Polo do for the Khan?

Marco Polo served as a special envoy and official for Kublai Khan. He was sent on various diplomatic missions to remote parts of the empire, including modern-day Myanmar and Vietnam.

How long did Marco Polo stay in the Mongol Empire?

Marco Polo remained in the service of Kublai Khan for approximately 17 years. Including the time spent traveling to and from Asia, his entire journey lasted about 24 years.

What wonders did Marco Polo see at the court?

Polo was amazed by the use of paper money, the burning of 'black stones' (coal) for fuel, and the Khan’s sophisticated postal system, all of which were largely unknown in Europe at the time.

Where was Kublai Khan's court located?

The court was located in Dadu, which is modern-day Beijing, as well as the Khan's summer palace in Shangdu, often referred to as Xanadu in Western literature.