Ep 15. Marvelous Marco Polo

In this episode of Horrible Histories, we are introduced to Marco Polo, the famous explorer who traveled to China and back during the 13th century. We learn about his incredible journey, the challenges he faced along the way, and the valuable information he brought back to Europe.

The episode begins with a sketch that sets up Marco Polo's story, showing him as a young boy growing up in Venice. His father, Niccolo Polo, was a wealthy merchant who had traveled to China and returned with stories of the wonders he had seen there. Marco longed to go on an adventure like his father and begged to accompany him on his next journey.

The next scene shows Marco and his father setting out on their journey to China, traveling through the deserts of the Middle East and the mountains of Central Asia. Along the way, they face all sorts of challenges, including bandits, sandstorms, and freezing temperatures. The sketch is full of humor and silly puns, but it also accurately portrays the dangers of traveling in those times.

As Marco and his father arrive in China, we see them meeting the famous ruler Kublai Khan, who takes an immediate liking to them. Marco becomes a confidant of the Khan and is given important duties in his court. The sketch shows Marco trying to adjust to life in China, learning its customs and language while also dealing with the other Europeans who are envious of his position.

One of the funniest and most memorable sketches in this episode is about the "Marco Polo Game," which supposedly originated in China. Players are blindfolded and must navigate a series of obstacles without speaking, just like Marco did when he was lost in the desert. It's a hilarious scene that shows how history can be fun and engaging for kids.

The episode also includes some song-and-dance numbers, including one about Marco's journey on the Silk Road and another about how he conquered the famous city of Zorzania. The songs are catchy and cleverly written, and they help to reinforce the historical information in a fun way.

Throughout the episode, we see how Marco's journey had a profound impact on Europe. He brought back knowledge of China's culture, technology, and resources, including gunpowder, paper, and silk. He also helped to open up trade routes between the East and the West, which brought wealth and prosperity to both regions. We see how his story inspired other explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, who also set out to find new worlds.

At the end of the episode, we see Marco and his father returning to Venice after years of being away. They are greeted as heroes and receive a warm welcome from their family and friends. The sketch ends with a humorous twist that involves Marco introducing spaghetti to the Europeans for the first time.

In summary, the Horrible Histories episode "Marvelous Marco Polo" is a fun and educational look at one of the most famous explorers in history. The sketch comedy format is engaging and entertaining, while also conveying important historical information in an accessible way. Kids will love the silly jokes and catchy songs, while adults will appreciate the accurate portrayal of the challenges and accomplishments of Marco Polo's journey.