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Marco Polo

In Marco Polo, host Joanna Lumley introduces the remarkable journey of Marco Polo, who traveled for 17 years across Asia. Marco, along with his father and uncle, were trusted envoys of the 13th-Century Mongolian emperor Kublai Khan. They were given a tablet guaranteeing their safe passage through Khan's empire. During this time, spices were highly prized, making the Silk Road an essential trade route for connecting Asia to Europe. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
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Location:
Venice, Italy
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Program:
Joanna Lumley's Silk Road Adventure
Time:
0:57
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Lesson Express

Q: Who was Kublai Khan, and what role did he play in Marco Polo’s travels?
A: Kublai Khan was the emperor of the Mongolian Empire and entrusted Marco Polo and his family to serve as envoys across Asia.

Q: What was the significance of the Silk Road during Marco Polo’s travels?
A: The Silk Road was an essential trade route that connected Asia and Europe, making the movement of goods, including spices, very important.

Q: What did Marco Polo bring back to Venice after his travels?
A: Marco Polo returned to Venice with valuable goods, including spices, and detailed stories of his travels.

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