Final answer:
Marco Polo influenced explorers like Christopher Columbus with his book 'Travels of Marco Polo,' which described his adventures in Asia and service under Kublai Khan. Polo's detailed documentation encouraged many to seek out new lands, including Columbus during his 1492 voyage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marco Polo inspired many future explorers, with the most notable being Christopher Columbus. Polo's detailed descriptions of the wealth and splendor of the Far East, documented in his book 'Travels of Marco Polo,' were instrumental in emboldening Columbus and other adventurers to embark on their own voyages. Moreover, Columbus had a copy of Polo's book during his expedition, attempting to reach Asia by sailing westward. Polo's travels to the Mongol empire and his service under Kublai Khan fascinated many contemporaries and led to generations of explorers dreaming of discovering new lands and treasures. Polo's observations, such as those on the trade of Mediterranean coral and other goods, provide a glimpse into the premodern world's global connections, even though some scholars have debated the accuracy and authenticity of some of his reports. Despite this debate, his influence on the Age of Discovery remains undeniable.