Marco Polo was born in 1254 in Venice, Italy. He went on his first trip to China at age 18 traveling along the Silk Road. Marco discovered many things about Asia including new trade routes. Some of his discoveries included eyeglasses, ice cream, spaghetti, and the riches of Asia. Marco Polo explored for many years, learning about new lands and cultures. He died in 1324 at almost 70 years old in Venice.