Marco Polo (1254–1324) – Venice, Republic of Venice

Marco Polo, the legendary Venetian explorer, revolutionized Europe's understanding of Asia through his epic 24-year journey along the Silk Road. Traveling with his merchant father and uncle at age 17, he reached Kublai Khan's court in China, where he served as an official for 17 years. His groundbreaking book The Travels of Marco Polo introduced Europeans to paper money, coal, and Asian spices, describing the immense wealth and advanced culture of Yuan Dynasty China. Though initially met with skepticism, his detailed accounts of exotic lands inspired generations of explorers, including Columbus. Polo's extraordinary adventures bridged East and West, making him history's most famous medieval traveler.