!!2.5 Cultural consequence

Created by

Dayven

Cards (413)

How did the predispositions of Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta influence their travel accounts? 
They colored what they reported and how they reported it.
What was the original meaning of the word "travel" in English? 
It meant hard work that exhausted the body.
What were some dangers faced by travelers in the medieval period? 
Serious illnesses, bandits, shipwrecks, and frozen mountains.
When did Marco Polo set out on his journey to China? 
In 1271.
When did Ibn Battuta begin his journey to the East? 
In 1325.
What was the "Pax Mongolica"? 
A period of peace established by Mongol rulers in Asia.
How did the "Pax Mongolica" affect Marco Polo's travels? 
It allowed the Polos safe passage to China and back.
In what type of lands did Ibn Battuta primarily travel? 
Muslim-ruled lands, known as the Dar al-Islam.
What was Ibn Battuta's profession? 
He was an Islamic jurist.
How did Marco Polo's language skills benefit him during his travels?
They allowed him to communicate with foreigners and work as an administrator.
What was a key difference in the cultural perspectives of Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta? 
Polo remained an "outsider," while Ibn Battuta was often seen as an "insider."
How did both travelers judge the customs of the people they encountered?
By their own cultural standards.
What are the main focuses of Marco Polo's and Ibn Battuta's travel accounts? 
Marco Polo:
Focused on commerce, government, and social practices.
Written with a "merchant's eye."
Ibn Battuta:
Focused on Islamic ritual and personal experiences.
Described his journey as a pilgrimage.
What religious purpose did Marco Polo have when he left for his journey?
He had a religious purpose to bring back holy oil from Jerusalem.
What did Kubilai Khan request from Marco Polo's father and uncle? 
To bring back holy oil and learned men of Christianity.
How did the Polos manage to travel safely across Asia Minor? 
They had valuable "safe conduct" passes from the Khan.
What natural wonder did Marco Polo encounter in Baku? 
Petroleum.
What was the simoon that Marco Polo encountered? 
A drying wind of the desert that could suffocate men.
How long did Marco Polo take to recover from his illness in eastern Afghanistan? 
One year.
What did Marco Polo observe about the people in the Pamir Mountains?
They saw no birds and experienced less heat due to high altitude.
How did Marco Polo describe the Gobi Desert? 
As a place of hallucinations and evil spirits.
What did Marco Polo find fascinating about the marriage customs in central Asia? 
Women could take another husband if their first was absent for twenty days.
How did Marco Polo feel about the Tibetan practice regarding unmarried girls? 
He considered it scandalous.
What did Marco Polo appreciate about Mongol marriage customs? 
Mongol women excelled in chastity and decency of conduct.
What was a notable exaggeration in Marco Polo's accounts of the Mongol court? 
His claims about the number of horses and falconers.
How did Marco Polo's travels contribute to European knowledge of Asia?
His accounts revealed the wealth and diversity of Eurasian cultures.
What was the population of Hangzhou according to Marco Polo? 
It included 1,600,000 families.
What impressed Marco Polo about the city of Kinsai (Hangzhou)? 
The well-organized government and wealth of the trading center.
How did Marco Polo's focus differ from that of other travelers of his time?
He preferred to write about everyday life rather than high culture.
What did Marco Polo fail to discuss in his accounts? 
Art, philosophy, or literature.
What type of roads did Kinsai possess? 
Paved roads guarded by watchmen
What impressed Marco Polo about Kinsai? 
The well-organized government and wealth of the trading center
What information did heads of households in Kinsai have to list on their doors? 
Names of family members and number of horses owned
How much pepper arrived daily in Kinsai?
Forty-three boatloads, each weighing 243 pounds
How much revenue did Kubilai Khan earn from Kinsai? 
Millions in revenue
What cultural aspects did Marco Polo focus on in his writings? 
Imports, exports, and local industries
Why did some critics suggest Polo preferred to write about popular culture? 
Because he was culturally unsophisticated
What types of stories did Polo enjoy mentioning? 
Tattooing and cannibalism
How did Polo's readers react to miraculous stories? 
They believed them and enjoyed reading them
What miraculous story did Polo recount involving a cobbler in Baghdad? 
He saved Christians by moving a mountain