Proof That the Polos Were in China Finally Found

Chinese historian Yang Zhijiu, a specialist in Yuan history, has spent his whole Iife in the research of Islamic history and in gathering first-hand material about Yuan history. In 1941, Professor Yang found in The Yong Le Encyclopaedia Jingshi Dictionary - Zhanchi important historical data which proved that Marco Polo had been to China. The document said that three diplomatic envoys sent to China by the Persian king were returning to their own country, and there was also a note about the grain rations for the three and their companions.

The key point here is the names of the three envoys. It is mentioned in two chapters in The Travels that the wife of the Persian king Argon had died and that the king sent three envoys to China to ask Kublai Khan to bestow upon him a new wife of the same nationality as his dead wife. As the three envoys were about to leave for home, the Polos were asked to join the escort party to take Princess Cocachin to Persia by sea. The three envoys in The Travels were named Oulatai, Apousca and Coja.Professor Yang found the corresponding Chinese names of the three envoys in Zhanchi.

The same event was mentioned in both Chinese and Persian histories, and the names of the envoys were the same as in The Travels. This could not be a coincidence. That is to say, though Marco Polo's name was not directly mentioned in the Yuan historical records (very possibly because of his low rank), other important evidence has been found to prove that the Polos left China in 1291. Since their departure was mentioned, there can be no doubt that they were in there.

Marco Polo died in 1324 in Venice. Italy,leaving behind his last will and testament.Today this piece of paper is considered a treasure by scholars dying research into the life of Marco Polo.(top)