Born: 15 September 1254 · Died: 8 January 1324 · Age at death: 69
How old was Marco Polo when he died?
Marco Polo died aged 69. He was born on 15 September 1254 and died on 8 January 1324.
Venetian merchant whose account of his travels to China and the court of Kublai Khan fascinated medieval Europe
Did you know?He spent several years in a Genoese prison, where he dictated his famous travel memoirs to a cellmate.
Quick facts
Date of birth15 September 1254
Date of death8 January 1324
Age at death69
NationalityVenetian
BirthplaceVenice, Italy
Occupationmerchant, diplomat, ambassador
Editor's Take:
Marco Polo's book opened European eyes to a world they could barely imagine. Travelling along the Silk Road as a young man, he spent many years in the court of the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, according to his own account. He described cities larger than any in Europe, paper money, coal used as fuel and a highly organised imperial postal system. Some historians have questioned parts of his story, noting things he does not mention, such as the Great Wall. Yet his travels inspired later explorers, including Christopher Columbus, who owned an annotated copy of the book.
Key Milestones
1271: Sets out for Asia with his father and uncle
1275: Reaches the court of Kublai Khan
1295: Returns to Venice after 24 years
1298: Dictates his travels while a prisoner in Genoa
Marco Polo (c. 1254 – 8 January 1324) was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in The Travels of Marco Polo (also known as Book of the Marvels of the World and Il Milione, c.
Marco Polo's birthday is September 15. He was born on September 15, 1254 in Venice, Italy.
How old was Marco Polo when he died?
Marco Polo died on January 8, 1324, aged 69.
Who shares a birthday with Marco Polo?
Famous people who share Marco Polo's September 15 birthday include Agatha Christie, William Howard Taft, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, François de La Rochefoucauld and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
