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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. ______________ was an unknown term in medieval language.
(a) "Civilization."
(b) "Compassion."
(c) "Restitution."
(d) "Barbaric."

2. How is Marco Polo described in the Prologue?
(a) As a loyal follower of God.
(b) As a wise and learned citizen of Venice.
(c) As an honest and trustworthy citizen of Venice.
(d) As a learned and honest citizen of Genoa.

3. People of Vokhan were of which religious persuasion?
(a) Jewish.
(b) Mahometans.
(c) Christian.
(d) Hindus.

4. What months did the grand khan reside in Kanbalu?
(a) March, April, May.
(b) September, October, November.
(c) December, January, February.
(d) October, November, December.

5. Why did the Great Khan send the Polos and a baron to the Pope requesting a hundred men?
(a) To show his people how to become Catholic and to obtain holy water at the sepulcher in Jerusalem.
(b) To teach Christianity and get oil from a lamp at the sepulcher in Jerusalem.
(c) To Teach Christianity and to get holy water at the sepulcher in Jerusalem.
(d) To decorate a room for him to worship in and to get oil from a lamp at the sepulcher in Jerusalem.

6. Why was an umbrella carried overhead of the grand khan?
(a) It was a sign of good will.
(b) It denoted rank and authority.
(c) To keep the sun from burning his skin.
(d) To keep him cool in the heat.

7. According to the introduction, what made "The Travels of Marco Polo" a best seller?
(a) The mystery of Kubilai Khan's thirteenth century empire.
(b) Rustichello's writing.
(c) The wild and exciting tales.
(d) The ease in obtaining a copy of the book.

8. Marco Polo was curious and adept in seeing and describing the natural history of __________________.
(a) Birds, plants, people and herbs.
(b) Birds, plants, beasts and herbs.
(c) Birds, plants, beasts and spices.
(d) Birds, beasts, people and spices.

9. "Idolaters" include________.
(a) Hindus and Buddhists.
(b) Saracens and Cathayans.
(c) Hindus and Mahomets.
(d) Buddhists and Jews.

10. In 1292, Marco Polo safely delivered a bride for _____.
(a) Arghun.
(b) Cosmas.
(c) Mingan.
(d) Theophylactus Simocatta.

11. What direction was Peyn from Kotan?
(a) North-east and east.
(b) East-south-west.
(c) East-south-east.
(d) East-north-east.

12. What type of water could be found in Kobiam?
(a) Salt water.
(b) Bitter water.
(c) Sulfur water.
(d) Citrus flavored water.

13. The Great Khan issued ___________ to assure lodging and needs when the Polos went to the Pope.
(a) A tablet of gold.
(b) Precious gems.
(c) A sack full of spices.
(d) Fabrics.

14. Trade-routes were costly to follow, so high value commodities like ________________ were needed to make a profit on the way.
(a) Precious gems, silk, spices, and gold.
(b) Precious gems, furs, spices and gold.
(c) Precious gems, minerals, furs and gold.
(d) Precious gems, fabrics, spices and gold.

15. According to the Prologue, what things does Marco Polo describe in the book?
(a) The mysteries of the world.
(b) Things he sees and things he hears from others.
(c) Things he stumbles upon.
(d) Only the truth of what he sees.

Short Answer Questions

1. Tartars mostly survived on ____________ while on an expedition.

2. How many men did the grand khan appoint to oversee his officers and the men of his army?

3. How long did it take to cross the desert called Lop?

4. Who was the ruler of Kierman?

5. The custom, during the process of removing the bodies of princes, was for those who formed the escort to ______________ persons they met on the road.

(see the answer keys)

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