14 Astonishing Truths About Marco Polo

Born in 1254 in the Republic of Venice, Marco Polo was an explorer, merchant, and adventurer who likely traveled to Central Asia and China during a time when much of the world remained uncharted by Europeans. Upon his return, he shared tales that unveiled the traditions and lifestyles of Asian cultures to his fellow Europeans.

In his renowned book, The Travels of Marco Polo, the adventurer detailed the geography of Asia, chronicled the customs of its inhabitants, and recounted experiences from the court of Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. While these accounts are fascinating, they only hint at the extraordinary and adventurous life of this merchant traveler. Here are 15 lesser-known facts about Marco Polo. 

1. Marco Polo embarked on his journeys during his teenage years.

Marco Polo was far from an experienced merchant when he began his epic voyage to the East. At just 17 years old, he departed in 1271 alongside his father Niccolo and uncle Maffeo, aiming to reach the court of Kublai Khan. This journey marked not only his first time leaving home but also his initial meeting with his father and uncle, who had been exploring the world since Marco’s birth.

2. He wasn’t the initial European trader to venture into China.

Although The Travels of Marco Polo introduced Europe to the Far East, Marco Polo wasn’t the first European to set foot in China. In fact, he wasn’t even the first Polo to do so. Prior to Marco’s expedition, his father Niccolo and uncle Maffeo had already visited China and established contact with Kublai Khan.

In a sense, Marco’s travels were a continuation of Niccolo and Maffeo’s earlier exploits: The two had formed a bond with the Mongol emperor, sharing details about Christianity, the pope, and the Roman church. Intrigued by Western religion, Kublai Khan reportedly asked them to bring 100 Christian scholars to educate him further, along with sacred oil from Jerusalem’s lamp. While Niccolo and Maffeo secured the oil upon their return to Europe, they failed to gather the 100 Christians before heading east again with young Marco.

3. Over 24 years, Marco Polo covered an astounding 15,000 miles.

At 17, Marco Polo left Venice and didn’t return for 24 years. During this time, he journeyed approximately 15,000 miles, traveling the Silk Road by land and exploring parts of Asia by sea. Some disputed (and potentially forged) maps even suggest he reached parts of the Alaskan coast centuries before the Russian expedition led by Danish explorer Vitus Bering.

4. While imprisoned, he shared his life story with a romance author.

Upon returning to Europe in 1295, Marco Polo’s adventures continued. Venice was at war with the Republic of Genoa, and Polo joined the fight for his homeland. After a naval battle, he was captured by Genoese forces and imprisoned. In jail, he met Rustichello of Pisa, a writer known for his romantic tales. Polo recounted his experiences to Rustichello, who documented them in what would become The Travels of Marco Polo.

5. Marco Polo brought the idea of paper money to Europe.

Long before Europe adopted paper currency, the Mongol Empire was already using it. In his book, Polo humorously referred to Kublai Khan as an alchemist who turned mulberry trees into money instead of converting base metals into gold. He marveled at how the emperor’s subjects valued paper money as highly as gold or silver and detailed the measures in place to combat counterfeiting.

6. He was captivated by yak hair.

During his travels, Marco Polo encountered many animals unfamiliar to Europeans, including the chow chow dog, musk deer, and yak. Among these, the yak stood out as his favorite. Fascinated by the softness of their fur, he brought yak hair back to Venice, where it became a rare exhibit.

7. Polo documented exotic foods—but pasta wasn’t among them.

Contrary to popular belief, Marco Polo did not introduce pasta to Italy, as noodles were already popular in Europe. However, he did discover unique foods in Asia, such as abundant and inexpensive spices like ginger, which had been scarce since Roman times. While some claim he brought ice cream to Europe, Polo instead described an early milkshake: The Mongols dried milk into powder, carried it in flasks, and mixed it with water while riding, creating a thick, syrupy drink.

8. He mistook rhinoceroses for unicorns.

In the 13th century, European legends depicted unicorns as horned, horse-like beings that could only be tamed by a young maiden. Marco Polo’s description shattered this myth: unicorns were not graceful or gentle creatures drawn to purity. Instead, they were hideous and aggressive, with buffalo-like hair, elephant-like feet, a wild boar’s head, and a black horn on their foreheads. Polo claimed they wallowed in mud, attacked with their rough tongues, and were far from the majestic beings of folklore. Historians now believe he was actually describing rhinoceroses.

9. Marco Polo was convinced of sorcery and malevolent spirits.

In his writings, Polo recounts meetings with magicians and sorcerers. At Kublai Khan’s court, he encountered astrologers who supposedly controlled the weather from palace rooftops and magicians who made wine flagons float during feasts.

Polo’s superstitions reflect the beliefs of his era. His book not only details his own encounters with magic but also presents myths and rumors as truths. He describes evil spirits haunting the Gobi Desert, tormenting travelers with illusions and calling their names to lead them astray—likely a reference to the Gobi’s “singing” sands.

10. Polo asserted he had a close relationship with Kublai Khan.

In his writings, Polo claimed he not only reached Kublai Khan’s court in Shangdu—venturing farther than most Europeans—but also became a trusted confidant and advisor to the emperor.

11. He received a golden tablet ensuring safe passage.

When Marco Polo decided to return home, Kublai Khan, who had grown fond of the Venetian merchant, initially refused. Polo eventually persuaded the emperor by offering to assist the emperor’s great nephew on a maritime expedition. To ensure Polo’s safety, Kublai Khan granted him a golden tablet of safe conduct—an engraved gold plaque—that guaranteed his protection and access to resources during his journey.

12. Marco Polo may have embellished some of his tales.

Although Marco Polo and his collaborator Rustichello of Pisa were skilled storytellers, historians debate the accuracy of their accounts. Some even question whether Polo reached China, suggesting he might have gathered stories from other travelers. While Polo’s historical importance is undeniable, the extent of his exaggerations remains uncertain.

13. A subspecies of wild sheep bears his name.

After documenting yaks, musk deer, and unicorns, it’s fitting that Polo would have an animal named after him. In 1841, zoologist Edward Blyth named a Central Asian wild sheep subspecies Ovis ammon polii in honor of Marco Polo, commonly known as Marco Polo sheep. 

14. He motivated Christopher Columbus.

Marco Polo’s journeys have spurred countless explorers to embark on their own adventures. Christopher Columbus carried a copy of Polo’s book during his voyages across the Atlantic. In the 1960s, a group of adventurers retraced Polo’s exact path, traveling from Italy to China using cars and trailers instead of horses.