Christopher Columbus and other explorers were influenced by Polo's writings from "summary" of Marco Polo by Laurence Bergreen
It is a common belief that Christopher Columbus and other explorers were influenced by the writings of Marco Polo. In fact, Polo's detailed descriptions of the riches of the East sparked the imagination of many European explorers during the Age of Discovery. His accounts of the opulence of the Mongol Empire and the wealth of China intrigued readers and inspired them to seek out these fabled lands for themselves. Polo's travels along the Silk Road and his encounters with exotic cultures and civilizations opened up a whole new world to European audiences. His descriptions of the spices, silks, and gems of the East captivated readers and fueled their desire to find a direct route to these lucrative markets. Columbus, in particular, was influenced by Polo's writings, as he believed that he could reach Asia by sailing westward across the Atlantic Ocean. Other explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, were also inspired by Polo's accounts of his adventures in the Far East. They saw the potential for immense wealth and glory in reaching the lands that Polo had described in such vivid detail. Polo's writings served as a roadmap for these intrepid explorers, guiding them on their own voyages of discovery. While some scholars have questioned the accuracy of Polo's accounts and the extent of his travels, there is no denying the impact that his writings had on the European mindset. His tales of distant lands and exotic peoples captured the imagination of readers and spurred them on to explore the unknown. In this way, Polo's legacy lives on in the intrepid spirit of those who followed in his footsteps, seeking out new worlds and new opportunities.
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