Marco Polo (Radio Edit)

In this episode of "You're Dead to Me," Greg Jenner, along with Professor Sharon Kinoshita and comedian Ria Lina, delve into the history of Marco Polo. They discuss his birth in 1254 in Venice, his family's merchant background, and his extensive travels to Mongol-controlled China with his father and uncle. The discussion covers Marco's time in China, the administrative aspects of the Mongol court like the postal system and paper money, and his accounts of diamonds, animal life, and luxury goods. They also explore the creation of Marco Polo's book, "Description of the World," co-authored with Rusticello, and Marco's later life, including his marriage and death. Professor Kinoshita shares insights on the surprising aspects of Marco Polo's book, emphasizing its unique perspective and myth-busting qualities.