Reference no: EM132812393

Documentary Film AnalysisIn the Footsteps of Marco Polo

This documentary (In the Footsteps of Marco Polo) examines the journey of two American travelers who attempt to retrace the route of the Venetian traveler Marco Polo (1254-1324) through the Silk Road. Polo As we have discussed in class, Marco Polo made the journey through the Silk Road during the time of the Mongol Empire, and was made possible by the peace and security that the Mongols provided. I think this documentary highlights the challenges Marco Polo would have faced as he made this long and incredible journey in the 13th century, even with the security provided by the Mongols khans.

1) Why did so many travelers, including Marco Polo, make the journey across this difficult terrain in the 13th century, and not earlier? Did the Pax Mongolica play a role in this? What did the Mongols do to encourage trade and travel across their empire? (Provide several examples).

2) Why, in your opinion, did luxury goods such as silks, spices, glassware, rugs, and precious stones dominate trade along the Silk Road? What made these ideal commodities for Silk Road trade? (Why wasn't wine, for example, or lumber, traded over long distances?)

3) What clues did the documentary give about the difficulty of using the Silk Road after the fall of the Mongol Empire? Why might European traders have begun seeking an alternate way to reach Asian markets?