Final answer:
The 'Travels of Marco Polo' is also known by the numerical title 'Il Milione' or 'The Million', possibly linked to Marco Polo's nickname or to the wealth of stories within. It chronicles his experiences in Kublai Khan's court and travels to unexplored regions, impacting future explorations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Travels of Marco Polo, the storied account of the Venetian merchant's journey to the East, is also recognized by a numerical title known as Il Milione (The Million). This title was potentially derived from Polo's nickname, “Emilione,” or from the multitude of extraordinary tales contained within the text. Composed around 1298, Polo's Travels offer a vivid description of his time in the court of Kublai Khan and his visits to uncharted lands, which captivated readers and inspired explorers for generations.
Marco Polo garnered particular favor with the great Mongol ruler and served as an official at his court. His recounting of the splendors he witnessed, such as the wealth of the Khan's palace and the city of Kinsay (present-day Hangzhou), was documented in his Travels. Despite some questions about the veracity of his tales, the accuracy of many details within Polo's account has been corroborated by other historical sources.