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The court of Kublai Khan and Marco Polo

The court of Kublai Khan is described in ôMarco Polo Travels to Kublai Khan.ö Marco Polo, obviously impressed, describes in detail the opulence and magnificence of the court as well as the magnificence of Kublai Khan the ruler. In addition, information is given on the organization of Kublai KhanÆs government, its customs, the place of women, and items of interest new to Marco Polo that fascinated him.

He expresses a sense of wonder at ôstones that burn like logs,ö which of course are coal. ôIt is true that they have plenty of firewood, too. But the population is so enormous and there are so many bath-houses and baths constantly being heated, that it would be impossible to supply enough firewoodà.these stones, being very plentiful and very cheap, effect a great saving of woodö (292). He also expresses delight about a wine different from that in Venice, which he does not name but which appears to be Saki. ôThey make a drink of rice and an assortment of excellent spices, prepared in such a way that it is better to drink than any other wineö (292). This statement reveals Marco PoloÆs openness to new experiences, and for his youth a catholic taste, and lack of provinciality.

Marco Polo has nothing but praise for the Great Khan, starting with his personal appearance: ôHe is a man of good statureà.fairàhandsomeàö (287). He also describes and commends the makeup of his administration and his charity.

Kublai Khan is treated like a god, not just a king. He uses his power as he sees fit, and since he is viewed as a god, there are no complaints (at least Marco Polo does not report any). The Great KhanÆs leadership and management skills are evident in the description of his foresight in storing grain when ôharvests are plentiful and corn is cheapö for the lean years. ôIn this way he sees to it that none of his subject need ever go shortö (292). A curfew is also imposed in the city as ôcheck upon evil-doersö (292)....

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The court of Kublai Khan and Marco Polo. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 22:24, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1708813.html