Marco Polo
Explorer (c.1254-1324)
Though he was not the first European to reach China, Marco Polo was the first toleave a detailed chronicle of his experiences. “The Voyages of Marco Polo”introduced the Western world to theonce-mysterious East, describing the cultureof Asia and the great wealth and size of the Mongol Empire and China. Hisdiplomacy so impressed Kublai Khan that the monarch appointed him anemissary to other Asian nations. His book inspired Christopher Columbus andmany additional explorers. (Provided by Fra Noi/Written by Paul Basile) For moregeniuses, go to https://www.jccia.com/genius