What better way to create a Marco Polo timeline than to turn it into a fun board game? We are going to do just that with a DIY as we learn about the Silk Road. Also, look at my page free Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook 1254 to 1324.
And we set our game up like a Monopoly-style game to follow as a pattern.
Marco Polo’s journey was remarkable not only because of the distance he traveled, but because of what he observed and recorded. Very few Europeans had seen Asia in such detail during the 1200s, making his account one of the most important sources historians still use today.
Marco Polo was born in 1254 in the city of Venice, a powerful trading center. Venice was filled with merchants who traveled by sea and land to trade goods from faraway places. Marco’s father, Niccolò Polo, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo, were successful merchants who had already traveled deep into Asia before Marco joined them.
Marco’s mother likely died when he was young, and he was raised mainly by relatives while his father was traveling. Because of this, Marco did not meet his father again until he was about 15 years old. When Niccolò and Maffeo prepared to return to Asia, they invited Marco to come with them.
Marco Polo helped connect East and West by sharing knowledge at a time when the world felt much larger and more mysterious. His journey shows the importance of curiosity, courage, and cultural exchange.
BOOKS ABOUT MARCO POLO FOR KIDS
Next, look at these books about Marco Polo.
10 Marco Polo Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To
Add some of these fun books about Marco Polo to your home library or use them in your unit studies.
The amazing story of a Venetian trader who becomes an aide to the great Kublai Khan comes to life in this retelling for students by Manuel Komroff. Follow along as Marco Polo travels through deserts littered with bones, encounters animals previously unknown to Europeans, and comes to serve in the court of one of the greatest kingdoms ever known.Included is a gorgeous new map tracing his journey, and 29 full page illustrations from an early edition written for adults.The text in this edition is a reprint of the original Messner Biography, a series that was created for students. "Well told and with engaging narratives, they unknowingly flow nicely from story to fact. You will find a plethora of information packed between these pages, not only about the title’s subject, but the subject's time and the world they lived in."
Was Marco Polo the world's greatest explorer -- or the world's greatest liar? Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman turns his eagle eye on the enigmatic Marco Polo in his most exciting biography yet.
He claimed to have seen rocks burn, bandits command sandstorms, lions tamed with a look, and sorcerers charm sharks while divers gathered pearls on the ocean floor. Marco Polo shook Europe with descriptions of the world he'd seen on his epic journey to the court of Kublai Khan.
But was Marco Polo the world's most accomplished explorer? Had he really seen the "Roof of the World" in Central Asia, and the "City of Heaven" in far-off China? Or was he a charlatan who saw nothing more than the conjurings of his inventive mind? Join Russell Freedman as he tackles a centuries-old mystery.
This is volume number 22 in the Signature Books series for young readers. This series, under the general editorship of Enid Lamonte Meadowcroft, provides easy to read, exciting stories based upon the lives of historical figures. A vivid story of the life and adventures of perhaps the most romantic traveler of all time, a man who returned from the East with tales so fantastic that no one believed him until he was vindicated by later travelers.
A continuation of the Explorers series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, Animals Marco Polo Saw brings to life the amazing, exotic animals Marco Polo encountered during his explorations in Asia, how the animals sometimes affected the outcome of the journey, and even helped the explorer survive!
Examines the political forces and personal ambition that drove Marco Polo in his explorations.
Marco Polo was the most famous traveller of his time. His voyages began in 1271 with a visit to China, after which he served the Kubilai Khan on numerous diplomatic missions. On his return to the West, he was made a prisoner of war and met Rustichello of Pisa, with whom he collaborated on this book. The accounts of his travels provide a fascinating glimpse of the different societies he encountered: their religions, customs, ceremonies and way of life; on the spices and silks of the East; on precious gems, exotic vegetation and wild beasts. He tells the story of the holy shoemaker, the wicked caliph and the three kings, among a great many others, evoking a remote and long-vanished world with colour and immediacy. He found himself traversing the most exotic lands-from the dazzling Mongol empire to Tibet and Burma. This fascinating chronicle still serves as the most vivid depiction of the mysterious East in the Middle Ages.
Cathay is a long way from his home in Venice, but when 14-year-old gondolier, Tonio Tumba receives the chance of a lifetime, he doesn’t say no. Leaving behind his only possession, a shabby green gondola, Tonio eagerly joins Marco Polo on his adventure.
As Tonio and the Polo family travel the dangerous silk road to modern-day China, they encounter many fascinating people and dangerous perils. When Tonio rides into Cathay on one of the Khan’s elephants, he says to his friend, Pietro: “Elephants are grand… but give me a horse any time – unless I could have a gondola. When we get back to Venice, I’ll take you out in mine.”
There are many wonderful sights, amazing inventions and great riches to discover, though Tonio looks forward to getting back home - but many years will pass before his chance to see the canals of Venice again. When so much has changed, will Tonio find anything worth returning for?
Louise Andrews Kent is a master storyteller, weaving historical accuracy and immersive adventure into one epic voyage of discovery.
This new edition features all the original illustrations and clean, readable text. It is a fantastic living book teaching about history and geography, recommended for ages 10 and up.
Excellent, historic story well told by Harold Lamb and beautifully illustrated by Elton Fax. Originally published in 1954, this paperback edition was released in 1982.
Relive Italian voyager Marco Polo's adventures in China in1275, including his legendary meeting with Kublai Khan, emperor of the powerful Mongol Empire. This exciting new book separates fact from myth using excerpts from Polo's actual journals and vivid illustrations and photographs to portray Polo himself and his impressions of the unique traditions and customs of the Mongols. A recipe from the period is also included. Topics include - what the Medieval period meant to Europe and exploration - the Silk Road - Marco Polo's service in Kublai Khan's court - life at sea and in the Mongol Empire - Marco Polo's influence on later explorers Teacher's guide available.
This edition is presented complete and unabridged, with larger text for easier reading by younger readers, and all the original illustrations and decorations.“I have attempted to transform the somewhat dry and monotonous translation of this narrative into an entertaining story, that may engage the attention and the interest of my young readers; for which it certainly presents ample opportunities. If the task is properly done, no one can fail to follow Marco Polo from his Venetian home, across the entire continent of Asia to the court of Kublai Khan, and in his various adventures and journeys while in the far-off Orient, without eager curiosity and ever-deepening interest. The central figure of the story is heroic, for Marco Polo was in all things manly, brave, persevering, intelligent, and chivalrous; and the scenes and incidents in which he was the leading actor were in the highest degree thrilling and dramatic.”-From the Preface by the Author.
A Monopoly-style Marco Polo Silk Road game will allow your child to research Marco Polo and the Silk Road to determine the cities used on property spaces and other themes throughout the board game.
The Usborne World History Book was a great resource.
MARCO POLO’S JOURNEY TO ASIA
The Polos began their journey in 1271, traveling mostly by land. They crossed dangerous terrain, including mountains, deserts, and hostile regions. One of the most difficult parts of the journey was crossing the Gobi Desert, which Marco described as a place of extreme heat, cold, and isolation.
The trip to China took nearly four years. Along the way, Marco learned multiple languages and studied the customs of the people he met. These skills helped him gain the trust of rulers and merchants throughout Asia.
LIFE IN THE COURT OF KUBLAI KHAN
Marco Polo spent many years in the service of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor and grandson of Genghis Khan. According to Marco’s account, Kublai Khan was impressed by Marco’s intelligence and honesty and gave him important responsibilities.
Marco claimed that he served as a government official, a tax inspector, and a diplomatic messenger.
Innovations He Recorded
- Paper money used instead of coins
- Coal used as fuel
- Large cities with organized streets and marketplaces
- Advanced postal systems with relay stations
- Canals and bridges used for transportation
Some Europeans doubted these stories, but many of Marco Polo’s observations have since been confirmed by historians and archaeologists.
MARCO POLO’S RETURN TO EUROPE
After about 17 years in Asia, the Polo family was permitted to return home in 1291. They traveled by sea, escorting a Mongol princess to Persia as part of a diplomatic marriage agreement.
The journey home was dangerous. Ships faced storms, disease, and shipwrecks. Many travelers did not survive the trip. Marco finally returned to Venice in 1295.
THE BOOK OF MARCO POLO
In 1298, Marco Polo was captured during a war between Venice and Genoa. While imprisoned, he told his travel stories to a fellow prisoner, Rustichello of Pisa, who recorded them.
This book became known as The Travels of Marco Polo. It influenced European trade ambitions, mapmakers, and future Explorers, including Christopher Columbus.
Although some details may be exaggerated, historians agree that the book greatly expanded Europe’s knowledge of Asia.
Some historians have questioned whether Marco Polo actually traveled as far as China because he did not mention certain things like the Great Wall.
However, many details he recorded match Chinese historical records, especially about Mongol rule, government systems, and trade practices.
TIP FOR YOUR DIY MARCO POLO TIMELINE GAME SIMILAR TO MONOPOLY
Before we begin putting our game together, I want to give you some ideas for your adventure cards, board spaces, and other components of the game.
MONEY REPLACEMENT IDEAS:
- Real bills and coins-this is especially good for younger kids who need the practice.
- Trade coins/tokens made from gold cardstock or plastic pirate coins.
You decide how much each player begins with, what each property costs, and what penalties and prizes will be set at.
PROPERTIES CAN BE:
- Major Silk Road cities
- Trade hubs
- Caravan stops
- City Properties (Buy & Trade)
I found this extensive list of cities along the Silk Road on Wikipedia that can be used for your “properties”.
RAILROADS CAN BE:
- Caravan routes (land routes)
- Sea routes
CHANCE BECOMES MARCO POLO TRIVIA:
- Answer a Silk Road or Marco Polo fact question
- Correct answer = reward
- Incorrect = penalty
COMMUNITY CHEST CARDS BECOME ADVENTURE CARDS
- “You run out of water in the Gobi Desert.” Pay 50 coins OR skip one turn.
- “A sudden sandstorm slows your caravan.” Move back 3 spaces.
- “You must cross dangerous mountain terrain.” Roll the dice. Even number: safe passage. Odd number: lose 25 coins.
- “Freezing nights and scorching days weaken your caravan.” Skip one turn to recover.
- “Bandits attack your caravan.” Pay 50 coins OR give up one trade card.
- “You hire armed guards for protection.” Pay 25 coins, then ignore the next bandit card.
- “A trader deserts during the journey.” Lose one turn reorganizing supplies.
- “A sickness spreads among travelers.” Skip one turn OR pay 30 coins for medicine.
- “Contaminated water slows your journey.” Move back 2 spaces.
- “You stop at a city to recover.” Skip one turn but collect 20 coins from the bank.
- “Local rulers demand taxes to pass.” Pay 25 coins.
- “You receive permission to travel through Mongol lands.” Advance to the next city space.
- “A cultural mistake offends local officials.” Pay 20 coins OR miss your next turn.
- “The Khan favors your honesty.” Collect 100 coins.
- “You carry messages for the Khan.” Advance to any city space.
- “You travel under Mongol protection.” You are immune to danger cards for one full round.
Special Spaces (Replace Jail, Free Parking, etc.)
“Stranded in the Desert” or “ Prison” (Jail Equivalent)
You are lost. To get out: Pay 50 coins, use a “Safe Passage” card, or roll doubles
“Caravan Rest Stop” (Free Parking)
Collect trade tokens or coins placed there as a result of taxes and penalties.
Utilities can be camels or ships.
DIY MARCO POLO TIMELINE BOARD GAME
You will need:
- A blank game board
- Acrylic Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Paint markers
- Painter’s tape or washi tape
- Pencil
Here is an entire game kit I found where you can get everything included at once.
The first thing you want to do is list out what each space will be, either from above or your own ideas. This will help you plan out your design and make sure you have enough
If you are going to color the tops of the “properties,” you can tape off the area with painters’ tape or tacky tape.
Paint the area in the chosen colors.
Use a pencil to mark colors or sketch out pictures in the spaces.
Trace your cards onto either side of the board’s center to mark the space.
Count out how many cards you need for each and decorate the back for “Adventure” and “Chance”.
On the opposite side, write out all your questions and challenges.
If your board has dried, you can now paint in any further designs, squares, or borders you have chosen. Paint pens are great for the smaller details.
Write the countries on the “property” cards and color-code them by adding a strip of paint to the top of the card that coincides with its spot on the board.
Design the center any way you wish. For us, we added a big swipe of paint, let it dry, and wrote in our game title with a paint marker.
