Marco Polo Journal Entries

Journal Entry #1

            Today is the day... I am finally headed to Mongolia. It is the greatest honor that has ever been given to me. I get to accompany my father and grandfather to meet Kublai Khan, the current Mongolian emperor. They have previously visited him, but this is the first time I will be going. My father says that I am finally mature enough.

I am still nervous, though. I am trying to convince myself not to be frightened, but I just cannot shake it off. I have heard so many terrifying things about the Mongolian Empire and their rulers. They are feared throughout the entire Middle East, and this is no exaggeration.

They have harsh laws that apply to citizens and travelers. Even though his grandson is in power now, the laws that Genghis Khan created are still used. These laws are the harshest that have ever been created in that region. I guess this is because it is their first set of written laws. It is what they use to keep the clans united as one. They call them “The Yasa.” These laws apply to citizens and travelers alike. What if I get arrested, or worse, for doing something I didn’t even know was wrong? I would not be the only one punished; my family would be, also. I could even be arrested for not sharing my food or touching the water in the river with my hands. There is no possible way for me to keep track of all of the laws. I guess I can only hope that I will not commit any crime unknowingly...

Also, the Mongolian military has destroyed hundreds of cities. They have taken over just as many countries. They even captured one of the biggest cities known to man, Baghdad. If you are in a city and they show up, there is no chance that you will live. They will destroy everything they see and touch. And they have the military force to do this. I even heard that they have killed over 100 million people! I think I will try to avoid every aspect of the Mongolian military while I am traveling there.

I must be brave, though. I have to accept this honor. I will not back down.

~Marco Polo

Journal Entry #2

            Why was I ever frightened to travel to Mongolia? Looking back at my first entry, I can’t believe I really thought that the Mongolians were a harsh people… When I first arrived, I could not believe how the entire empire works seamlessly together. I was truly at a loss for words. It is exquisitely gorgeous, and the entire empire has nothing but strong moral values. It is the most prosperous empire that could ever be imagined. The Mongolians have expanded trade and culture to levels never seen.

            The capital is breathtaking. The emperor’s palace is so spectacular that it is truly beyond words. The palace seems like it could fit the entire city inside of it! No man could ever enhance the greatness of that architecture.

            But more importantly, the decisions made inside the palace and court are for the good of all the people. The laws are not harsh at all, as I initially thought. All they do is uphold the values and morals of all the tribes that Mongolia now includes. Loyalty is valued in the empire above all else, as it has been since the time of Genghis Khan. Nobody is exempt from the laws. The officials enforce the Yasa to uphold this value and maintain such a prosperous empire. If the laws were not enforced in this way, it would not be said that a merchant can travel by himself across the entire empire without being robbed.

            The entire empire is prosperous. Trade would not be as widespread if the merchants were not treated so fairly. The merchants are welcomed with almost all of the rights that citizens have. This trade expands the culture and connects the Middle East. You can truly see this in the capital city, where culture and foreign goods are everywhere. I have never seen anything like it.

            I am in awe of Mongolia. I hope I will be able to stay here for the rest of my life. It actually may be possible. It seems I have impressed the Emperor, Kublai Khan. He wants me to travel and help him. I am willing to do anything to help this empire that is as close as one can be to perfection.

~Marco Polo

Journal Entry #3

      History has two opposite views of the Mongols. Some believe the Mongols were brutal and ruthless and others believe that they had strong values and great influences. This is also seen in the Roman Republic.

      Mongolia was focused on military, just as Rome was previously. They both fought in many wars and used strategic new military tactics. The Romans fought in the Punic Wars to keep their empire united and the Mongolians fought to unite the empire and conquer more land. Mongolia also used to trade to expand the culture throughout the empire. This trade helped to expand the empire and make it a powerhouse, just like it did in Rome. Both empires also had differing views of their leaders. Most were in favor, but outsiders were scared.

      The Mongolian Empire and the Roman Republic were two very similar empires. They had the same focuses and values. Both empires helped to influence culture and change history.    

Bibliography

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