Throughout the long history of exploration and travel, few figures have managed to capture the collective imagination like Marco Polo. Born in Venice in 1254, Marco Polo is renowned for being one of the first Europeans to deeply explore the Orient and document his experiences in great detail. His work, The Travels of Marco Polo, represents a fascinating window into a world that, for many Westerners, was shrouded in mystery.
An Epic Journey into the Unknown
Marco Polo’s journey began in 1271 when he set out with his father Niccolò and his uncle Matteo to the Orient. Their goal was to reach the court of Kublai Khan, emperor of the Yuan dynasty and grandson of the legendary Genghis Khan. The journey was anything but easy: from the trade routes of the Silk Road to the dangers of hostile territories, the expedition lasted over twenty years. However, Polo eventually reached the heart of the Mongol Empire, establishing a privileged relationship with the Khan.
The Court of Kublai Khan
One of the most extraordinary experiences for Marco Polo was the time spent at the court of Kublai Khan. Here, the young Venetian was welcomed as a counselor and diplomat, becoming a valuable emissary of the emperor to the most remote provinces of the empire. Polo described Kublai’s empire as a place of great wealth and sophistication, with advanced technologies, vast and well-organized cities, and a thriving trade. His descriptions of the Chinese state organization, their trade routes, and Eastern cultures were unprecedented for the time.
A World of Wonders
One of the aspects that made Marco Polo’s accounts so fascinating for Europeans was his ability to describe in detail places and customs that seemed to belong to another world. From golden palaces to enormous cities like Hangzhou, Polo spoke of a cultural and material wealth that surpassed anything known in the West. He narrated tales of spices, silk, precious stones, and incredible technologies like paper money and coal, which were still unknown in Europei.
The Impact on Europe
When Marco Polo returned to Venice in 1295, his stories seemed so incredible that many did not believe him. However, his account was transcribed in prison by Rustichello da Pisa, and the publication of The Travels of Marco Polo became a success across Europe. This book inspired countless explorers in the centuries that followed, including Christopher Columbus, who carried a copy of The Travels during his voyage to the Americas. Polo’s contribution to understanding the Orient was fundamental, paving the way for future explorations and trade.
A Priceless Legacy
Marco Polo was not just an explorer; he was a bridge between two worlds, a storyteller who made it possible for Europeans to imagine and understand a continent that was so distant and different. Thanks to him, the Eastern world became more accessible, and although many of his stories were filled with wonder and legend, his influence on future generations was undeniable.
A Watch to Commemorate the 700th Anniversary
To celebrate the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, we have chosen to pay tribute to this legendary explorer with a limited-edition watch of 400 numbered pieces. This timepiece, featuring an off-centered white mother-of-pearl dial framed in polished steel and a background depicting a map of Asia on papyrus paper, symbolizes the connection between adventure and history. The design evokes the routes Polo traveled and his exploratory spirit, transforming the watch into a work of art that celebrates his epic journey.
To discover all the details of this limited edition, click the link.
