How Did Marco Polo Influence The Development Of The Pre-Modern World

It’s clear that the pre-modern world was global. Through the works of scholars, traveler’s, and historical work, we can decipher what life was like during the pre-modern world, but even more specifically, the 1200’s CE. Even though the inventions of modern technology, planes, high speed transportation, and other methods of communication, there were still interactions between societies during this time period. Ibn Sina, one of the most prolific Arabic, and pre-modern world scholars, writes about his voyage through civilizations, learning with other philosophers and through observing life, about the exchange of the world’s information. Marco Polo, in a similar sense, recorded his observations from his travels of the interactions between European

Marco Polo's travels allowed him to witness the advanced technologies employed in China, such as their impressive canal system and paper money. These technological innovations clearly benefited the Europeans, as within the next few centuries, there was an extreme technological advancement. The Silk Road served as a vital artery for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and China. The network of trade routes stretched across vast distances, facilitating the movement of merchants, scholars, and travelers. It was through these trade routes that goods like silk, spices, and precious metals made their way from China to Europe and vice versa. The Silk Road fostered cultural interactions, leading to the diffusion of knowledge, religions, and artistic influences across different regions. The global nature of these economic interactions during the pre-modern era is evident in the cross-cultural exchanges and the enduring impact they had on

Marco Polo's observations shed light on the use of credit, bills of exchange, and banking systems in China, which were significantly different from European practices at the time. These financial innovations played a crucial role in facilitating long-distance trade and stimulating economic growth in both regions. The global nature of economic interactions during the pre-modern era is further emphasized by the adaptation and adoption of these financial practices in Europe, contributing to the evolution of modern banking systems.

Despite the geographical distance and distinct civilizations, there are notable comparisons and connections between the Islamic civilization of Central Asia during Ibn Sina's time and the Mongol Empire in China during Marco Polo's time. One common aspect is the role of trade in establishing global connections. Trade played a crucial role in facilitating economic interactions and fostering cultural exchanges. Ibn Sina's works and Marco Polo's travels both demonstrate the importance of trade routes in connecting different regions and