Marco Polo reported that thirteen ships carrying six hundred passengers left China, but by the time the party reached Persia only eighteen passengers remained alive. Persia was an ancient kingdom far west of China, but nearer to the Polos’ home in Venice. Finally, in 1292, an opportunity arose when Kublai Khan asked the family to escort a young woman to Persia to be the bride of one of Kublai’s nephews. Marco Polo claimed Kublai Khan would not allow the Polos to return home for seventeen years. While in China, the Polo family became rich by trading in jewelry and gold. The palace was decorated with gold and silver and the walls were adorned with beautiful pictures.Īdvertisement Kublai Khan did not trust many of his advisors so, according to Rustichello’s book, he sent Marco to govern a Chinese city for three years. Finally, they arrived once again at the palace of Kublai Khan, who Marco described as “the greatest lord the world had ever known.” Kublai Khan’s palace was surrounded by walls that were four miles long. Rustichello wrote that the Polo’s four-year journey across the Silk Road provided Marco with first-hand experience of the many cultures of the Middle East and Asia. The friars began the journey with the Polos, but when they saw the dangers they faced on the Silk Road, the representatives of the pope returned home.

A friar was addressed a brother while a priest was called father. The Pope gave the Polos many gifts to deliver to Kublai Khan, but instead of the 100 scholars, Gregory sent only two friars.Īt the time of Marco Polo, friars were members of the clergy, but friars did not share the status or education of a priest. Before leaving, the Polos visited Pope Gregory, the head of their church.

Nicoló and Maffeo Polo returned to Venice to prepare for a second journey to China, but this time they took along Nicoló’s son, Marco.

Marco polo the man