The Travels of Marco Polo · Character
Maffeo Polo
Also known as Messer Maffeo Polo, The late Maffeo Polo the Elder, Maffeo
- Major
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 6
Maffeo Polo carries the quiet gravity of a merchant accustomed to weighing both goods and risks. His place in a close-knit Venetian family and his far-reaching travels lend him an air of measured resolve, even when the record leaves his face unseen.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Middle-aged adult
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 6
- Books
- 1
Maffeo and his brother Nicolo journeyed east and returned to Venice in 1269, only to set out again with the young Marco. Their travels brought them into the orbit of the Great Kaan, while their family’s Venetian standing and affairs remained rooted at home. A merchant, nobleman, and testator, Maffeo endures in the account less through personal confession than through the journeys and family legacy he helped shape.
Description
No physical description of Maffeo Polo is supplied, so his height, build, skin tone, hair, eyes, and facial features cannot be specified. As a Venetian merchant and nobleman, he may be represented in plausible period clothing of fine but practical quality, without implying a documented costume. His demeanor can be rendered as composed and experienced, though the text does not describe it. No distinguishing bodily features or accessories are recorded. The text presents Maffeo as a middle-aged Latin traveler, but does not specify his height, build, complexion, hair, eyes, or facial features. His character is conveyed through an impression of remarkable good sense and experience in the Indian Sea and the lands along its routes. No particular clothing or distinguishing marks are recorded; a visual depiction should keep these details understated and historically grounded. No physical description of Maffeo Polo the Elder is available here. His age, build, complexion, hair, eyes, facial features, clothing, and bearing are not specified.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Marco Poloconflicting source relationships
The commentary’s character references identify Marco as the son of Messer Nicolo, while the two elder Polos and Maffeo are associated with the family’s successive generations; this excerpt itself does not narrate their family history.
Nicolo Poloconflicting source relationships
Maffeo and Nicolo are brothers who travelled together to the East and returned to Venice. They were both deeply worried when Marco was captured by the Genoese.
- AP
Andrea Polo of San Felicefather
Andrea Polo was the father of Maffeo, one of the three brothers of the S. Felice branch.
- MP
Maria Polofather
The younger Maffeo, son of Nicolo, had a daughter named Maria. She inherited his property and that of her brothers after they died without children.
- KK
Kubilai Khanenvoy
Kublai received Maffeo and Nicolo at court, questioned them about western rulers and customs, and later commissioned them as envoys to the Pope.
Kúbláipatron
In the account quoted in the notes, Kúblái explains his religious policy to Maffeo and Nicolo Polo and recalls their earlier discussions about Christianity. He says he had asked them to seek missionaries capable of challenging religious wonder-workers.
- A
Aláuguest
After reaching Bukhara, the Polo brothers encountered envoys sent from Aláu’s court to Kublai’s court and joined their onward journey.
- BK
Barca Kaanhost
Barca welcomed Maffeo and Nicolo at his court, treated them with honour, and graciously accepted their jewels.
- C
Cocachinconflicting source relationships
Maffeo helps safeguard Cocachin during the perilous sea voyage, and she regards the envoys as father figures.
- C
Cogataifellow envoy
Cogatai travelled with Maffeo as one of the three ambassadors until illness forced him to stop; he agreed that the brothers should continue without him.
- PG
Pope Gregory Xpatron
Gregory authorizes Maffeo and his companions to continue their mission to the Great Kaan.
- FW
Friar William of Tripolimissionary companion
Assigned to travel with the Polo brothers, Friar William withdraws from the expedition after the danger in Hermenia.
- P
Popeenvoy
Kublai charged the brothers with delivering his letter to the Pope, requesting learned Christians and oil from the Holy Sepulchre.
- B
Bendocquedarmilitary adversary
The Sultan’s campaign in Hermenia threatens Maffeo and his fellow travelers.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
Key events
- Book 1
Ch. 24Polo Brothers Reach Kúblái’s CourtAfter a year-long journey from Bokhara, Nicolo and Maffeo Polo arrive at the Great Kaan’s court and are received with honor. - Book 1
Ch. 26Kúblái Appoints the Polos Envoys to the PopePleased by their account of Latin customs, Kúblái sends the Polo brothers and Baron Cogatal to the Pope with letters requesting 100 Christian scholars and oil from the Holy Sepulchre. - Book 1
Ch. 28Polo Brothers Arrive in AcreThe brothers reach Acre in April 1269 only to learn that the Pope has died, forcing them to await a successor. - Book 1
Ch. 29Marco Joins the Journey EastAfter two years in Venice, Nicolo and Maffeo set out again for Acre, taking the young Marco with them. - Book 1
Ch. 31Gregory X Authorizes the MissionThe newly elected Pope Gregory X receives the Polos, grants them credentials, and appoints two Dominican friars to accompany them. - Book 1
Ch. 33Polo Party Reaches Kúblái’s CourtAfter three and a half years of travel, Nicolo, Maffeo, and Marco arrive at the Great Kaan’s palace and present the Pope’s letters and the holy oil. - Book 1
Ch. 36Kúblái Permits the Polos’ ReturnAfter repeated requests, Kúblái finally allows the three Venetians to escort Princess Kokáchin to Persia and then return home.
Gallery
Book 1: The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
Appearances
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