Marco Polo was an Italian traveler who journeyed from Europe to Asia in the 1200s. He was born in 1254 and traveled as a young man with his family. His route followed parts of the Silk Road.

He reached the court of Kublai Khan in China and stayed there for many years. During this time, he observed cities, trade, and daily life in Asia. After returning to Europe, his travels were written down in a book that described places many Europeans had never seen.