Is the Game Marco Polo Named After the Explorer?
The game of Marco Polo, also known as "Blind Man’s Bluff" or "It," has been a staple of childhood play for generations. The objective of the game is simple: one player closes their eyes, counts to a predetermined number, and then shouts "Marco!" while the other players respond with "Polo!" The player who was counting then tries to guess which player responded. But have you ever wondered if the game is actually named after the famous explorer Marco Polo?
The Explorer Marco Polo
Before we dive into the origins of the game, let’s briefly discuss the life and achievements of the explorer Marco Polo. Marco Polo (1254-1324) was a Venetian merchant and explorer who traveled extensively throughout Asia during the 13th century. Born in the Republic of Venice, Polo began his travels at a young age, accompanying his father and uncle on a merchant expedition to China. Over the next two decades, Polo traveled extensively throughout Asia, visiting present-day China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Early Life and Travels
Polo’s early life is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that he was born in Venice to a family of merchants. His father, Niccolò Polo, and uncle, Maffeo Polo, were prominent merchants who had traveled extensively throughout Asia. In 1271, Niccolò and Maffeo returned from a trip to China and told of the riches and wonders they had discovered. This sparked Marco’s interest in exploring the East, and he began to learn the languages and customs of the regions he would eventually visit.
The Silk Road and the Khan
Polo’s travels took him along the famous Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected Europe and Asia. He traveled through present-day Turkey, Armenia, and Iran before reaching the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol emperor of China. Polo spent the next 17 years at the Khan’s court, where he became a trusted advisor and friend. He learned the Mongolian language, participated in diplomatic missions, and even introduced the Khan to European culture.
Return to Venice and Writing of the Travels
In 1295, Polo returned to Venice with his father and uncle, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and stories from his travels. He wrote his famous book, Il Milione (The Travels of Marco Polo), which detailed his journeys and the wonders he had seen. The book became an instant bestseller, and Polo became a celebrated figure in Venice.
The Game of Marco Polo
Now, back to the game. So, is it named after the explorer? The short answer is no. The game of Marco Polo has its roots in ancient times, long before the explorer was born. The game is believed to have originated in Germany in the 19th century, where it was known as "Schuster-Jaeger" or "The Weaver’s Journey." The game was brought to the United States by German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it became popular as "Marco Polo."
Etymology of the Game’s Name
So, why is the game named Marco Polo? The name is believed to have been chosen because it was exotic and catchy. The name Marco Polo was already well-known in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the popularity of Polo’s book and the many adaptations and translations it had undergone. The name was likely chosen to give the game an air of adventure and exoticism, much like the explorer himself.
Table: Timeline of Marco Polo’s Life and Travels
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1254 | Marco Polo born in Venice |
| 1271 | Father and uncle return from China, sparking Polo’s interest in exploration |
| 1275 | Polo begins his travels along the Silk Road |
| 1295 | Polo returns to Venice with his father and uncle |
| 1298 | Polo writes "Il Milione" (The Travels of Marco Polo) |
Conclusion
While the game of Marco Polo is not actually named after the explorer, it is still fascinating to learn about the life and achievements of Marco Polo. His travels along the Silk Road and his time at the court of Kublai Khan are a testament to his bravery, curiosity, and adaptability. The game of Marco Polo may not be directly related to the explorer, but it is a fun and imaginative way to explore the world and its cultures.