Marco Polo in Seri Lanka

Sri Lanka was famous for the stones and especially the rubies. The king owned a ruby the size of man’s palm. The royal ruby is also mentioned many times in Marco Polo's book. Marco Polo says: "Khubilai Khan sent an embassy to purchase it, but the king would not part with it." Marco Polo landed from Seri Lanka on the southeastern, or Coromandel, coast of India, and his long account of the country is filled with information on local customs, religion, dress and diet. Marco Polo enjoyed his time there and he said he will never forget the precious stones that he saw.

Marco Polo in Tartars, Russia

"This area is ruled by the Tartars, who are a strong and violent people" Marco Polo said. What Marco Polo said about Russia was: "There are very few settled towns, because the Tartars prefer to live nomadic ally in the plains or the vast forests of which this area is full. They grow no food and subsist primarily on meat and water, possessing many great herds of domestic animals which they use for food. Their only primary commodity are furs from the animals which they slaughter, however the trek which merchants must pass in order to trade takes over fourteen days over rough terrain." This area is very cold and inhospitable, Marco Polo went to Russia just for a visit.

Marco Polo in Kabul, Afghanistan

Kabul is an ancient place with a troubled history. It lies in the eastern part of the country, along the Kabul River. "Once a kingdom, the province of Kabul contained many towns and villages; the chief town was called Kabul as well. The people of this province are very gay and speak a language all their own. They produce an excess of 'foodstuffs and beverages' which they sell to travelers who pass through the town" Marco Polo said in his book. Marco Polo visited Marco Polo enjoyed his time there and said he would want to visit it again. He took many notes and wrote many stuff while he was there.

Marco Polo in Baghdad

"Baghdad is a large city with a river that flows through the middle east. Many travelers voyage to the Indian Sea on this river. Baghdad is also a center for the study of the "law of Mahomet's and of necromancy". The Caliph of Baghdad owned the "greatest treasure" of gold and silver and precious stones that "ever belonged to any man" . After the wealthy Caliph was killed in a battle, there has been no other Caliph in Baghdad." Marco Polo found that Baghdad is one of the richest countries he has passed.

Marco Polo in India, Kerala

In India the climate is hot that makes all men and women wear nothing but a loincloth, including the king. Marco Polo calls this "the richest and most splendid province in the world." "All things different from ours," Marco Polo said. The people "worship the ox," do not eat beef , and daub their houses with cow-dung. Marco Polo mentioned in his book that in the battle they use lance and shield. Marco Polo said it has many wonderful and amazing rubies there. He also mentioned that India is just a wonderful country.

Marco Polos vist to Hormuzgan, Iran

"Hormuz has an 'excellent harbor' to which merchants deliver spices, precious stones, silks, and other goods from India" Marco Polo mentioned in his Journal. Marco Polo wasn't impressed with the ships of these people, which are stitched together with coconut thread rather than being fastened by iron nails. Marco Polo is quite impressed with the effect of this city's date wine on the naive drinker: "When it is drunk by men who are not used to it, it loosens the bowels and makes a thorough purge; but after that it does them good and makes them put on flesh" (Polo 66-68). Marco Polo visited is twice and thought it was a really nice place.

Marco Polo in Mongoila

Marco Polo wrote of Western Mongolia as a land of “barren of hope in spite of its existence.” Marco Polo met the Great Khan in Mongolia. The Great Khan became a really good friend to Marco Polo. Marco Polo mostly impressed by the way in which the women got on with the lion's share of the work:"the men do not bother themselves about anything but hunting and warfare and falconry."

Marco Polo In Veince, Italy

Marco Polo was born in 1254 and he died in 1324 in Venice. He was an Italian explorer from Venice. His mother died after giving him birth. He started traveling around when he was 6 so he apparently left Venice when he was 6 years old. His aunt and uncle raised him. His father and uncle were both merchants from Venice. By the time Marco returned to Venice, Marco was 14 years old! He best known of these travelers was a Venetian by the name of Marco Polo. I The Polo’s looked like strangers to their fellow citizens. Marco Polo beat Christopher Columbus with his travels.