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Why did Marco Polo and his family seek permission to leave Kublai Khanâs court?
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Marco Polo
Marco Polo, undated coloured woodcut.
Marco Polo and his family sought permission to leave the court of Kublai Khan for several reasons:
- Security Concerns: The Khan was nearly 80 years old, and the family feared that his death and the subsequent change in regime could prove dangerous for a small group of isolated foreigners.1
- Desire to Return Home: They longed to see their native Venice and their families again.1
- Opportunity to Depart: When a Mongol princess needed to be sent to Persia to marry Arghun Khan, the Polos offered to accompany her, providing a safe and logical pretext for their departure.1
Although Kublai Khan was initially unwilling to let them go, he eventually granted them permission to leave.1