Notable Explorers

Have you ever played the game Marco Polo? If you have, then you know that the game is played in the water. This game has some historical meaning. Marco Polo traveled the seas. He traveled to find land. When you play Marco Polo, you try to find your opponents. The opponent who is tagged or caught is then Marco. Now, whenever you play this game you will understand what the game is based on.

Marco Polo was born in September 15, 1254. His Mother unfortunately died in labor. He was raised by his father Maffeo and his uncle Niccolo. This meant that he voyaged the seas at a very young age, since Niccolo and Maffeo were merchants. Marco, Niccolo, and Maffeo weren’t the only people on the boat. The whole family was with them! They lived all over the place! The Polo family lived at Yangzhou, Quanzhou, Sumatra, Persia, Sri Lanka, Mylapore, Madurai and Alleppey.

There was a ruler named Kublai Khan. He was a fierce warrior and he was very choosy when it came to picking friends. Marco Polo must’ve been a very good person because Kublai and him were great friends. They did everything together. Marco helped Kublai destroy his enemy. Marco came to Kublai’s daughter’s wedding ceremony. Kublai also taught Marco Chinese. Marco knew 4 languages.

Marco was arrested in captured in a small clash. The clash was between Venice and Genoa. He was in the cell for a few years. During those years, he had a cellmate. Marco told all of his stories to his cellmate. His cellmate turned out to be a writer. He wrote down Marco’s stories and published them. This turned out to be the Adventures of Marco Polo by Marco Polo, which was printed in every major language.

Marco was released from captivity in 1299. He came out of jail and told his stories to everyone. They did not believe him at all. He was angry and wanted to prove himself right. He invited everyone to a special dinner. They looked at Marco funny when he made an announcement. He explained about the riches of China. Then he cut the strings of bags and let the riches fall. He had proved them wrong.

By 1324, Marco had a family. His wife’s name was Donata. He had 3 children named Fantina, Belela, and Moreta. In 1324 he was also on his deathbed. He died that year. He was 70 years old. Marco left behind great stories. We will never forget his great work.

                                             -Michelle Booker <3