Marco Polo began his travels in 1271 with his father and uncle from Venice on a journey eastward. What made Polo such a well-known and remembered traveler? Was it because he worked alongside the Kublai Klan for 17 years or because of the stories he brought back with him after years of travel? He traveled for 24 years throughout Asia, starting with his father and sometimes traveling alone. Polo had a difficult early childhood, but the rest of his travels made up for the loss of his mother at an early age. He traveled through Asia and went beyond Mongolia to China. Polo, is easily one of the most famous Western travelers who traveled the Silk Road. In Polo's early life, his father was not present because he was traveling with his brother. "It is said that this desert is so long that it would take a year to walk from end to end; and at its narrowest point it takes a month to cross. It is made up entirely of mountains, sands and valleys. There is nothing at all to eat." Despite the dangers encountered during the Gobi crossing, Mark's account suggests that the route was safe and well-established during the Mongol reign. (Silkroad Foundation, The long and difficult journey to Cathay, 1997-2000). Although Polo was not necessarily a historian to those around him, this did not stop him from telling stories and information about the Also, comparing how the countries were different and varied. When Polo, his father and his uncle came closer to the Great Khan, he sent a royal escort to bring the travelers and bring them assistance. After three and a half years of travel, in May 1275, the Polos arrived in Kublai Khan's original capital at his winter palace in his capital. So far the men had traveled a total of 5,600 miles on the journey. Marco said that this was the greatest moment when he first met the Great Khan (Silkroad Foundation, 1997-2000). After befriending the Khan, Polo became a favorite and in return was appointed to high positions. “He served in the Khan's court and was sent on numerous special missions to China, Burma and India. Many places seen by Mark were not seen again by Europeans until the last century. Mark went at great length to describe the capital of Kublia, the ceremonies, the hunting and the public welfare, and all were found on a much smaller scale in Europe. (Silkroad Foundation, Years of Service in Khan's Court, 1997-2000). Polo claimed that Khan's summer palace was covered in gold and silver and that the hall was so large that it could comfortably seat 6,000 people. The Palace was also supported by 200 silk ropes, which could be easily dismantled and moved when the Emperor moved. (Silkroad Foundation, Years of service in Khan's court,