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Who were Marco Polo’s father and uncle?
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Marco Polo
Marco Polo, undated coloured woodcut.
Marco Polo’s father was Niccolò Polo and his uncle was Maffeo Polo.12
They were wealthy and courageous Venetian merchants who traded with the Middle East. In the 13th century, the brothers embarked on extensive travels, eventually reaching the court of the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. They established friendly relations with the Khan and served as his ambassadors, later returning to Europe before setting out on a second journey to the East accompanied by Marco Polo.132