You're Dead to Me Marco Polo: history’s most famous travel writer?
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Apr 11, 2025 Join distinguished literature professor Sharon Kinoshita, a Marco Polo translator, and comedian Ria Lina as they explore the adventurous life of history's most famous traveler. They delve into Marco Polo's epic 24-year journey to China, the wonders of the Mongol empire, and his extraordinary encounters, including the fascinating postal service and diamond-hunting eagles. Amid laughs, they also discuss his legacy, cultural exchanges, and the peculiarities of his later life, revealing how his stories influenced future explorers like Columbus.
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Polo's Family Travels
- Marco Polo's father and uncle, Niccolo and Maffeo, traveled to the Mongol court a decade before Marco joined them.
- They returned with a message for the Pope, then invited Marco on their second trip.
Polos' Extended Stay in China
- The Polos traveled to Mongol China in 1271 and stayed for 24 years.
- Marco, 17 at the start, essentially grew up in Mongol-controlled China.
Mongol Postal System
- The Mongols' vast postal system, called the Yam, used relay stations with horses or runners.
- It allowed messages to travel 10 days' worth of normal travel distance in just one day and night.
