--- title: Map of Marco Polo’s Travels, 1271 - 1295 author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10041/map-of-marco-polos-travels-1271---1295/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-10-09 --- # Map of Marco Polo’s Travels, 1271 - 1295 _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of Marco Polo’s Travels, 1271 - 1295](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10041.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10041.png) ## Image Caption [Marco Polo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Marco_Polo/)’s travels (1271–1295) represent one of the most famous European journeys into Asia during the late Middle Ages. Setting out from Venice with his father Niccolò and uncle Maffeo, Polo crossed through the Middle East and Central Asia before reaching the [Yuan dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Yuan_Dynasty/) court of [Kublai Khan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kublai_Khan/) (r. 1260–1294), where he reportedly served in various administrative roles. His route along the [Silk Road](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silk_Road/) exposed him to a vast range of societies, technologies, and cultural practices, from the Islamic polities of [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/) to the nomadic domains of Central Asia and the sophisticated urban centers of Yuan [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/). Polo’s experiences were later compiled in *Devisement du Monde* (known as *Il Milione* or *The Travels of Marco Polo*), which described wonders such as paper money, coal as fuel, gunpowder, and the wealth of Cathay (China). While parts of his account remain debated by historians, the book became a defining text in European perceptions of Asia. It shaped medieval geography and inspired later explorers, including [Christopher Columbus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Christopher_Columbus/). Polo’s journey illustrates the dynamics of cross-cultural exchange in the [Mongol](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) world system, where imperial stability under the Pax Mongolica enabled unprecedented interaction between East and West. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2019, February 11). Map of Marco Polo’s Travels, 1271 - 1295. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Marco Polo’s Travels, 1271 - 1295." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 11, 2019. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Marco Polo’s Travels, 1271 - 1295." *World History Encyclopedia*, 11 Feb 2019, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 11 February 2019. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.