In 1325 AD, Ibn Battuta left home in Morocco at the age of 22 to travel the world, not to return home for another 25 years. From China to Timbuktu, India and Siberia, the deserts of Arabia and the oceans of paradise, he saw more of the world than any other human being on earth. Thus, making him one of the greatest travelers in human history.
A relay system of post offices with legendary Mongol horsemen riding between provided for the speedy delivery of goods and messages throughout the vast Mongol Empire.
Disillusioned with the world, Prince Shakyamuni climbed an unconquerable mountaintop to meditate in peace until he died, then reincarnated 84 times until achieving godhood. This version of Buddha’s apotheosis was retold by Marco Polo in the late 13th century.
For long, the world’s sole source of diamonds was India. Specifically in Hyderabad, ancient and medieval people fished diamonds out of deep, rocky mountain crags using a technique involving raw meat and live eagles.
In 1254 A.D., King Hethum I of Armenian Cilicia, a kingdom on the Mediterranean coast in the midst of the Crusades, sought an alliance with the world’s mightiest power of the time, the Mongol Empire. The overland journey was far flung and dangerous and many barbarian nations were encountered therein, but the result was a success and curious adventure.
If the Mongol dead could find love and get married in the afterlife, then it’s never too late for you.
Be wary, Traveler, for the folks you meet out yonder are no folk at all…
Accounts of people living to extreme old age exist in plenty, but many seem to have a common factor: asceticism.
Did he actually bring back pasta and gunpowder from China? No, but he possibly coined the term “Millionaire.”
“Cannonball” and “Marco Polo” have more in common than being words you yell at a pool party. Wait, I meant “cannibal.”
tldr History 