Relive Italian voyager Marco Polo's adventures in China in 1275, including his legendary meeting with Kublai Khan, emperor of the powerful Mongol Empire. This exciting new book separates fact from myth using excerpts from Polo's actual journals and vivid illustrations to portray Polo himself and his impressions of the unique traditions and customs of the Mongols. A recipe from the period is also included.- what the Medieval period meant to Europe and exploration- the Silk Road- Marco Polo's service in Kublai Khan's court- Life at sea and in the Mongol Empire- Marco Polo's influence on later explorers- colorful maps and images showing the areas explored- sections on the age of exploration- the political climates of various countries that made explorers venture out into the unknown- real recipes for foods the explorers ate on their travels- how explorers lived while on the high seas, on the trail, or in the encampment