but by two Dominican friars, and the two good friars turned back at the first sign of adversity, another local war in the Levant. Aside from the popes messages, the only spiritual gift Europe was able to furnish the great Kublai Khan was oil from the lamp burning at Jesus Christs supposed tomb in Jerusalem. Yet, in a sense, young Marco, the only new person in the Polos party, was himself a fitting representative of the spirit of European civilization on the eve of the Renaissance, and the lack of one hundred learned Europeans guaranteed that he would catch the eye of the Cowan, who was curious about Latins"(Hull 29). On the way to the khans court, Marco had the opportunity to complete his education. The journey took three and a half years by horseback through some of the worlds most rugged terrain, including snowy mountain ranges, such as the Pamirs, and parching deserts, such as the Gobi. Marco and his party encountered such hazards as wild beasts and brigands; they also met with beautiful women, in whom young Marco took a special interest. The group traveled numerous countries and cultures, noting food, dress, and religion unique to each(Li Man Kin 17). In particular, under the khanss protection the Polos were able to observe a large portion of the Islamic world at close range, as few if any European Christians had. By the time they reached the khans court in Khanbalik, Marco had become a hardened traveler. He had also received a unique education and had been initiated into manhood. Kublai Khan greeted the Polos warmly and invited them to stay on in his court. Here, if Marcos account is to be believed, the Polos became great favorites of the khan, and Kublai eventually made Marco one of his most trusted emissaries(Great Lives from History 16765). On these points Marco has been accused of gross exaggeration, and the actual status of the Polos at the court of the khan is much disputed. If at first it appears unlikely that Kublai would ...
