We are learning some fun facts about Marco Polo, the Mongols, and investigate the contents of the Mongols Middle Ages History Unboxed. Also, look at my page free Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook 1254 to 1324.
The Mongols were a nomadic people who lived in the vast steppes of Central Asia.
They were skilled horsemen and archers, and they were known for their fierce fighting ability.
In the 12th century, a young Mongol named Temujin united the Mongol tribes and became Genghis Khan, or “Universal Ruler.”
Genghis Khan was a brilliant military strategist. He led the Mongols on a campaign of conquest that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the borders of Europe.
The Mongols were some of the most successful conquerors in history.
They defeated powerful empires, such as the Jin Dynasty of China and the Abbasid Caliphate of Baghdad.
The Mongols also established one of the largest empires in history, which stretched from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia.
BOOKS ABOUT MARCO POLO FOR KIDS
Marco Polo, explorer, served Emperor Kublai Khan in China.
Then he returned to Venice to write his account of the experiences he had there.
And that gave Europeans some of their earliest information about China.
First, look at some of these books about Marco Polo and his adventures.
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.
For our study on the Mongols and Marco Polo I purchased the Young Adult package for the Mongols which is intended for ages 16 and up.
But, before we get into what comes in the box let’s take a look at some fun facts about Marco Polo.
And of course I have some great hands-on activities and resources to accompany your study too.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MARCO POLO AND MONGOLS
- During his time in China, Polo served as a trusted official in Khan’s court. It was a position that gave him access to the inner workings of the Mongol Empire and Chinese society. His observations and detailed descriptions of the people, customs, and innovations he encountered were meticulously recorded in his book, “The Travels of Marco Polo”.
- He journeyed to the Far East during the reign of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. His career as a diplomat and emissary for Kublai Khan spanned 17 years.
- Polo’s travels introduced Europeans to many Chinese inventions that would have a major impact on the Western world. They were inventions like paper money, gunpowder, and the compass.
- His travels helped to forge new trade routes between Europe and Asia, increasing the flow of goods, ideas, and knowledge. The Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting East and West, experienced a resurgence in activity because of Polo’s accounts.
- One of the Asian tribes the Tartars unified Asia into a new Kingdom, the Mongols.
- Temuchin is Genghis Khan (a word from the Tarter language meaning lord or prince).
- Genghis and his Mongol army are called “The Golden Horde”.
- The Golden Horde broke through the Great Wall of China in 1214.
- Genghis Khan first created national parks, the postal system, international law and the borders of modern nations. His Empire was the safest and most tolerant of lands.
Also, look at some hands-on activities.
MARCO POLO AND THE MONGOLS HANDS ON ACTIVITIES
Investigate the importance of wool and learn wool felting, taste a popular Mongol drink, and play games with a Mongolian Shagai bone with this box from History Unboxed.
Here is a Marco Polo Unit Study – Terracotta Warriors and Free Resources full of more fantastic ideas.
Make Homemade Mongolian Cookies and incorporate home economics and life skills into your curriculum.
For a deeper look at Marco Polo and the Mongols read both Who Was Marco Polo or Genghis Khan for read aloud or independent reading time.
Follow his travels with the Marco Polo Unit Study – Salt Dough Map + Free Printable Map Flags and create a relief map that showcases his path.
Listen to the podcast The Adventures of Marco Polo – Family Time History Podcast – Episode 1 together as a family while you are on the road or sitting around the table.
Finally, look at some hands-on activities.
History Unboxed carries boxes of wonderful activities and sometimes edible treats spanning Ancient History, Us History, and the Middle Ages.
You can purchase History Unboxed one box at a time or as a bundle of 12 and choose youth for elementary or young adult for middle and high school.
MONGOLS UNBOXED (MIDDLE AGES)
Inside our Mongols box was a book full of information and illustrations, a reading list, as well as instructions for enrichment activities like recipes, wool felting, and silk spinning.
It also included the items needed for these activities individually packaged making it easy to assign and keep track of supplies.
Here is what is inside…
Shagai Games: Decorate and play traditional games with Mongolian Shagai bones, learning about the recreational activities that have been part of Mongolian culture for centuries.
Felting and Wool: Learn about the importance of wool in Mongolian life.
We tried our hand at wool felting.
We did it without a needle as it was originally done with hot water and soap. Felting was essential to the nomadic lifestyle of the mongols.
Traditional Drinks: Taste a drink inspired by a traditional Mongolian recipe, offering a flavorful glimpse into the Mongolian culinary heritage. Our box included a Wild Orange tea to try.
Silk Spinning: Spin silk from a silkworm cocoon and uncover how silk played a key role in Genghis Khan’s army, protecting soldiers and enhancing trade routes.
The Life of Genghis Khan: Dive into the fascinating story of Genghis Khan, a figure revered by some and reviled by others, whose leadership and legacy still shape perceptions of the Mongols today.
Lessons are laid out for you in the book.
This method of learning is a lot more fun than reading out of a textbook for most learning types and who doesn’t love to get a box of surprises in the mail?
