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Article: At work for the Khan.(Kublai Khan)
- Article from:
- Calliope
- Article date:
- April 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Carus Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Leaving Venice in 1271, Marco Polo knew the 5,000-mile journey to China would not be easy. Bandits along the Silk Road caused fearful merchants to move together in caravans. The sound of whistling wind or, some say, evil spirits in the Desert of Lop sometimes led travelers astray--only to die. Illness and poor weather conditions could also delay a trip.
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Yet, for the opportunity to serve the great Mongol leader Kublai Khan, the perils would be worth it. How did this young Venetian land such an important position? It was actually a road that had been paved for him by his father, Niccolo, and uncle Maffeo several years before. These ...