Marco Polo, one of history’s most renowned explorers, ventured into the Far East, leaving an indelible mark through his remarkable adventures chronicled in “The Travels of Marco Polo.” He was not just an adventurer but also a skilled trader, diplomat, linguist, and captivating storyteller whose legacy endures.
Marco Polo’s Biography
Marco Polo’s journey began with his birth in Venice, Italy, in 1254 AD. He inherited the art of trade from his merchant father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo Polo, who had extensive experiences in the Far East.
At the age of seventeen, Marco embarked on a transformative journey to Asia alongside his father and uncle. This expedition led him across the Middle East, India, and eventually to China, where he spent approximately six years in the court of Kublai Khan. During this time, he assumed roles as an emissary, diplomat, and even a spy. Upon his return to Venice in 1295, he penned his renowned travelogue, “The Travels of Marco Polo.”
Quick Facts About Marco Polo
- Name: Marco Polo
- Age: 70 years old at the time of his death
- Birthday: Not specified
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: Approximately 5 feet
- Nationality: Venetian
- Marital Status: Married to Donata Badoer (1295–1324 AD)
- Occupation: Merchant, explorer, and writer
- Net Worth: Estimated at $5 Million upon his death in 1324 AD
Early Life and Education
Marco Polo’s parents, Niccolò and Maffeo, imparted their extensive knowledge of trade and the diverse languages of the East. His formative years were marked by this exposure, and at seventeen, he embarked on his life-altering journey to Asia, where he absorbed languages, customs, and even combat skills.
Family and Relationships
Marco Polo was born into the Polo family, including three siblings: Matteo, Fantina, and Moretta. In 1295, he married Donata Badoer, and together they had three daughters—Fantina, Bellela, and Moretta—and a son named Agnese Polo.
Legacy and Net Worth
While records of Marco Polo’s salary are nonexistent, his net worth at the time of his death in 1324 AD is estimated at $5 Million.
Marco Polo’s Career
Marco Polo’s multifaceted career encompassed trade and diplomacy. He served as an emissary and spy in the court of Kublai Khan, later immortalizing his experiences in “The Travels of Marco Polo.”
Marco Polo’s enduring legacy paints a vivid picture of an explorer whose adventures continue to captivate generations, bridging the gap between the known and the mysterious Far East.