How was Marco Polo influenced?

Answer 1

Marco Polo was influenced by a combination of his family's mercantile background and the broader cultural exchanges of the Silk Road. His father and uncle, both merchants, sparked his interest in trade and exploration, leading him to journey to Asia. Additionally, the diverse cultures, technologies, and goods he encountered during his travels, especially in China under the Mongol Empire, profoundly shaped his perspectives and writings. This experience ultimately contributed to his detailed accounts of the East, which opened European eyes to the rich possibilities of trade and interaction with Asia.