In this episode of The History in Motion Podcast, we follow the remarkable journey of Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant whose travels across Asia opened Europe’s eyes to a world of riches, innovation, and mystery. His journey along the Silk Road took him deep into the Mongol Empire, where he served under the powerful Kublai Khan and documented a land few Europeans had ever seen.

Born in 1254 to a family of Venetian traders, Marco Polo set out on an extraordinary voyage at just 17, traveling across deserts and mountains, through Persia, Central Asia, and into China. He spent years in the service of the Mongol court, observing its wealth, power, and customs—later recounting these experiences in The Travels of Marco Polo, a book that would inspire generations of explorers, including Christopher Columbus.

But was Marco Polo truly the trailblazer history remembers, or was his account exaggerated over time? Join us as we separate fact from fiction and explore the incredible impact of his journey.