Is Marco Polo Netflix a True Story?

Is Marco Polo Netflix a True Story?

Marco Polo, the Netflix period drama series, follows the life of the Italian explorer and adventurer Marco Polo. The series is based on the historical character’s exploits in 13th century China and Mongolia. But how true is this tale when compared to its real-life counterpart?

The show is helmed by John Fusco, a self-proclaimed “Marco Polo expert” who has penned several films and books related to the explorer. Fusco claims that he has gone to great lengths to ensure that the show is as historically accurate as possible. He has conducted extensive research into Marco’s life, consulting with scholars and historians throughout its production.

The actual events of Marco’s life are shrouded in mystery due to a lack of reliable records from his era. However, certain details from his travels are known from various sources.

For example, it is widely accepted that he spent 17 years in China at the court of Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, and played an important role in opening up trade between Europe and China. The show accurately portrays this part of his life story as well as certain other details such as his service in the Mongol Empire and his eventual return trip to Venice.

But while some aspects of Marco Polo’s life remain true to history, other elements have been embellished or altered for dramatic effect. In particular, there are significant differences between Marco’s real-life relationships with key characters such as Kublai Khan and Hundred Eyes (the martial arts instructor).

In the series, these two characters treat him like an adopted son whereas historical accounts suggest that their relationship was much more complicated than depicted onscreen. Similarly, some events have been sensationalized or outright fabricated for narrative purposes such as when Marco apparently foiled an assassination attempt against Kublai Khan.

Overall then it can be said that while Marco Polo Netflix has taken certain liberties with its source material for dramatic purposes, it remains largely faithful to the historical record by including accurate depictions of key aspects of Marco’s life such as his involvement in opening up trade between Europe and China.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, despite taking some liberties with its source material for dramatic purposes, Marco Polo Netflix largely remains faithful to history by accurately portraying key aspects of Marco Polo’s life such as his involvement in opening up trade between Europe and China.