History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration Season 1 Episode 6 Marco Polo and Sir John Mandeville

History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration season 1 episode 6 follows the tales of two medieval travelers: Marco Polo and Sir John Mandeville. The episode takes a closer look at their expeditions and the impact they had on the world.

The episode starts with the story of Marco Polo, who was the first European to travel through Asia and recount his experiences in writing. Polo's journey started when he was just 17 years old when he joined his father and uncle on a trip to China via the Silk Road. Marco Polo spent 24 years in China, serving as an adviser to Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor. During his time in China, Polo became fluent in four languages and traveled extensively throughout the country. He eventually returned to Venice, where he wrote the book "The Travels of Marco Polo" with the help of a writer, Rustichello da Pisa. The book became an instant bestseller and inspired other explorers to venture to the East.

Next, the episode turns to the story of Sir John Mandeville, a mysterious figure who wrote a book called "The Travels of Sir John Mandeville." The book claimed that Mandeville had traveled to various exotic destinations all over the world, including China, India, and even the mythical land of Prester John. However, historians have long debated whether Mandeville actually existed or whether his book was a work of fiction. Despite this, "The Travels of Sir John Mandeville" became a bestseller in the 14th and 15th centuries and inspired many travelers, including Christopher Columbus.

The episode delves into the different perspectives on the authenticity of Mandeville's book. Some historians argue that he never traveled at all and simply compiled stories he heard from other travelers. Others point to similarities between his descriptions of the East and those made by other travelers of the time, suggesting that he may have actually traveled to some of the places he wrote about.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the landscapes Polo and Mandeville likely encountered on their journeys, as well as reenactments of some of the more noteworthy events Polo experienced while serving Kublai Khan. Additionally, the episode features interviews with historians and travel experts who provide valuable insight into the significance of these two travelers and their impact on the world.

In the end, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the bravery and determination it took for these two men to travel to the far corners of the Earth at a time when most people never left their home villages. The episode showcases the power of exploration to change the course of history, both in terms of the discoveries made and the inspiration it provides to future generations of travelers.