And with it all my travels' history: Wherein of antres vast, and
deserts idle, rough quarries, rocks and hills, whose heads touch
heaven, It was my hint to - Othello, I. iii. The Middle Ages
represents a unique period in world history. An advanced Chinese
civilization had been flourishing for many centuries, but at the
time was under Mongol rule. Although many records of Chinese
history exist from within the culture, an outsider's perspective
on Chinese civilization would yield further information.
Fortunately, there is one historical document that offers such
an account: the text of Marco Polo's journeys in Asia. This book
serves as an important work on Chinese civilization during
Mongol rule. It is important to understand the perspective that
Marco Polo had on Asian civilization. Therefore, a summary of
the background of Venice and China at the time, as well as the
events leading to Marco Polo's arrival in China, are included.
The details of Marco's stay in Asia and his impressions are
reviewed in a detaile