Born September 15, 1254 in Venezia, Italy (Republic of Venezia)
Died January 8, 1324 in Venezia, Italy
Merchant, Explorer, Writer
Traveled Asia along the Silk Road from 1271 and 1295
Traveled with father and uncle
Travels recorded in Livre des merveilles du monde (Book of the Marvels of the World)
Inspired Christopher Columbus and other travelers
Influenced European Cartography
Described to Europeans the culture and inner workings of the Eastern World
Showed the wealth of China and capital Peking
First comprehensive look into many eastern countries