Marco Polo

Question 1

Who was Marco Polo?

Answer 1

A Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer known for his travels across Asia.

Question 2

What book is Marco Polo famous for?

Answer 2

The Travels of Marco Polo, also called Il Milione.

Question 3

In what year did Marco Polo begin his journey to Asia?

Answer 3

1271.

Question 4

Who accompanied Marco Polo on his journey to Asia?

Answer 4

His father, Niccolò Polo, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo.

Question 5

How long did Marco Polo stay in Asia?

Answer 5

About 24 years.

Question 6

Which Mongol ruler did Marco Polo serve under?

Answer 6

Kublai Khan.

Question 7

What was Marco Polo’s major achievement?

Answer 7

His detailed accounts of his travels, which introduced Europe to the riches and cultures of Asia.

Question 8

What major trade route did Marco Polo travel along?

Answer 8

The Silk Road.

Question 9

What was the title of the book Marco Polo wrote about his travels?

Answer 9

The Travels of Marco Polo.

Question 10

What European explorer carried a copy of Polo’s book during his voyage?

Answer 10

Christopher Columbus.

Question 11

What significant empire was in power during Marco Polo’s travels?

Answer 11

The Mongol Empire.

Question 12

What is the term used to describe the period of peace under Mongol rule?

Answer 12

Pax Mongolica.

Question 13

What goods or technologies did Marco Polo introduce to Europe?

Answer 13

Paper money, coal, and advanced systems of governance from China.

Question 14

How did Marco Polo contribute to European geography?

Answer 14

His travels provided valuable information that improved European maps.

Question 15

What were the main controversies surrounding Marco Polo’s accounts?

Answer 15

Some scholars questioned whether he actually traveled to China due to omissions like tea and the Great Wall.

Question 16

What was Marco Polo’s nickname upon his return to Venice?

Answer 16

Il Milione, because people believed he exaggerated his stories.

Question 17

How did Marco Polo’s travels influence future exploration?

Answer 17

His accounts inspired explorers, including Columbus, and sparked European interest in Asia.

Question 18

When was Marco Polo captured, and where?

Answer 18

In 1298, in a naval battle with Genoa.

Question 19

Who helped Marco Polo write his famous book?

Answer 19

Rustichello da Pisa, a romance writer Marco met while in prison.

Question 20

How did Marco Polo respond when asked to retract his stories on his deathbed?

Answer 20

He said, ‘I have not told half of what I saw.’

Question 21

What empire’s stability allowed Polo to travel safely along the Silk Road?

Answer 21

The Mongol Empire.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Marco Polo’s travels helped spark the European __________.

Answer 22

Age of Exploration.

Question 23

Why is Marco Polo considered one of history’s greatest travelers?

Answer 23

He provided detailed descriptions of Asia, its cultures, and advanced technologies.

Question 24

What lesser-known fact about Marco Polo challenges the idea that he was the first European to visit China?

Answer 24

Missionaries and traders, such as Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, had visited China before Polo.

Question 25

What did Marco Polo fail to mention in his accounts that has raised skepticism?

Answer 25

Significant aspects of Chinese culture, like tea, foot-binding, and the Great Wall.

Question 26

What game is named after Marco Polo?

Answer 26

The swimming pool game ‘Marco Polo.’