Born in the Republic of Venice in 1254, Marco Polo was an explorer, trader, and adventurer who traveled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His journeys are recorded in 'The Travels of Marco Polo,' which described to Europeans the then-mysterious cultures of the Far East. His influential book outlined the geography of Asia, described the traditions of its people, and told tales of life at the court of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan.
But as amazing as all this may sound, it only scratches the surface of his life. Click on to discover what you might not know about Marco Polo.