Marco Polo

NUMBER 3. Yet another phenomenal explorer Marco Polo, Marco and his father set out on a journey through Asia for merchantile trade. Soon after the two men were captured by the Mongolian Empire while on their journey to China. After being captured Marco Polo was betrayed by his own blood, his father said they could take his son in exchange let him leave Asia and return to Venice. At the time of this voyage Marco Polo was only six when his father abandoned him. Later on Marco Polo was released in 1299, after being  imprisoned for several years. After, he became a rich and wealthy merchant  married, and had three children. later on passed away in 1324.

Side note: The chronicle events of Marco Polo's journey was all written down in detail known as "The travels of Marco Polo". Christopher Columbus read this book and soon after became inspired by this extraodinary man who was the first European to visit Asia.
http://adf.ly/1OX6UU