This year marks the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo and his adventures in East Asia. Polo’s encounters with merchants, missionaries, and diplomats of diverse backgrounds made his accounts a valuable asset to Europe’s understanding of the Eastern civilizations. Particularly, his exposure to the Mongol courts and ambassadorial service to Kublai Khan has been depicted as more than an East-meets-West tale; Polo helped expand the Mongol Empire’s ties with medieval popes and diplomats. He also helped to maintain that communication so when the time was right, alliances could be made.
Hommage des frères Polo à Qubilaï.
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