For millennia, the Silk Road (actually, a network of trade routes that spanned Eurasia) had been the means of contact between the great civilizations of China, India, the Near East and Europe.
Trade caravans, merchants, diplomatic missions, warriors, religious pilgrims – millions of people traversed this trade route over time. Among them was an intrepid merchant from Venice by the name of Marco Polo, who embarked on the Silk Road for trade, good fortune and adventure.
Marco wrote a book about his travels, which included his 17 years of service as a travelling ambassador for Kublai Khan, the grandson of the ruthless and brilliant conqueror, Genghis Khan, whose Mongolian warriors had subjugated most of Eurasia.
As horrific as Genghis’ conquests were, under Kublai, the world became connected like never before. Historians call this period Pax Mongolica or Mongol Peace.
5 Reasons Why Marco Matters
1. The Film
Transport students on a journey through time, history and the rich tapestry of cultures along the fabled Silk Road with critically acclaimed filmmaker, author and explorer Denis Belliveau, who spent two incredible years following ‘In The Footsteps of Marco Polo.’
2. VR silk road field trip
3. Interactive 3D Map Activity
2. VR Silk Road Field Trip
2. VR Silk Road Field Trip
Denis takes students on a 3D multi-media tour of 5 fabled Silk Road cities featuring artifacts, videos, stills, untold stories and much more.
3.Interactive 3D Map Activity
2. VR Silk Road Field Trip
Denis takes students on a 3D multi-media tour of 5 fabled Silk Road cities featuring artifacts, videos, stills, untold stories and much more.
3. Interactive 3D Map Activity
2. VR Silk Road Field Trip
Denis takes students on a 3D multi-media tour of 5 fabled Silk Road cities featuring artifacts, videos, stills, untold stories and much more.
3. Interactive 3D Map Activity
3. Interactive 3D map Activity
In this points-based digital Silk Road map game students use their newfound knowledge to accurately place items, many of them in 3D, that focus on the resources, animal life, culture and technology of the ancient world.
4. Digital Geometric Pattern Creator
4. Digital Geometric Pattern Creator
4. Digital Geometric Pattern Creator
Create an authentic Islamic geometric pattern with our digital creator tool. Color and then tessellate your patterns onto our 3D wall to see them instantly come to life!
5. Marco Polo Trading Game
5. Marco Polo Trading Game
In this high-energy digital trade simulation players compete for precious commodities along the Silk Road, just as Marco did. Divided into five famous market cities, the team with most points wins!
