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Kublai Khan in the Eyes of Marco Polo

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  • Chang, Na

Abstract

This article will shed new light on the already crowded area of Marco Polo research, by examining the perspective of Polo, his direct observation of Kublai Khan and Yuan China, as revealed in The Travels of Marco Polo. The paper analyses the sources of Polo’s perspective on the people he encountered on his travels in foreign lands. It argues that Polo’s ideas were shaped by his cultural background, personal experience and his own interests. Then it examines how the work presents Kublai Khan himself, as well as the Yuan empire’s monetary system, its waterway trade and its ethnic policy. The result of this investigation shows that Polo was an acute observer; he pointed out occasions of misrule despite his adoration of Kublai Khan.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang, Na, 2017. "Kublai Khan in the Eyes of Marco Polo," European Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 25(3), pages 502-517, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:eurrev:v:25:y:2017:i:03:p:502-517_00
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