← Explore on the interactive map

Marco Polo Sets Out for the East

Type Event Region Italy Time 1271

In 1271, the seventeen-year-old Marco Polo set out again from Venice with his father Niccolò and uncle Maffeo, traveling overland through Asia Minor,…

Timeline

  1. 1271Venice · VeniceAfter a brief stay in Venice, Niccolò and Maffeo Polo departed the port with the young Marco, carrying letters and holy oil entrusted by Pope Gregory X, planning to reach Asia Minor by sea and then continue east overland.
  2. 1271–1272Asia Minor to Persia · PersiaAfter landing at Acre and elsewhere, the caravan crossed the Asia Minor plateau and entered Ilkhanid territory, advancing east along ancient trade routes through arid mountains and postal relay stations, preparing to penetrate deeper into Central Asia.

Sources