The history of marco polo game
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Have you ever swam in a pool and played a game with your friends called “Marco Polo”? One person shuts their eyes while the others swim away. The person who is “it” calls out “Marco” and in response, everyone else in the game yells out “Polo!”. The person who is “it” keeps their eyes shut and tries to find you.
It is a very fun game, but did you know that the name “Marco Polo” is the name of a real person? The game is based on a real explorer who traveled the world in the medieval times?
Marco Polo was born in 1254 in Venice, Italy (at the time, it was called Constantinople). His father, Niccolo Polo, was a merchant and traded with the Near East, becoming very wealthy before Marco was born. A merchant is someone who sells things to others.
Marco’s father and his uncle Maffeo, were jewel merchants and they set off on a sea trading expedition just before Marco was born. While they were away, there was political trouble back in Italy and they realized that they might lose their wealth. They decided to sell all of their assets, or valuable things, and move away. Marco was left behind with family as his father and uncle traveled through Asia, including to Mongolia. Marco’s mother had died when he was young, so was moved to live with his aunt and a different uncle. They raised
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Playing Marco Polo
People have been playing Marco Polo for years, and kids still play it today. Essentially a game of Blindman’s Bluff, but played in a pool, the game has fairly simple rules and can be played with three or more people. So, what are the rules of Marco Polo? One player is designated as the caller, and must close his or her eyes and try to tag other players. In order to find people, even with closed eyes, the caller calls out “Marco” and the other swimmers must respond by saying “Polo.” If someone is suspected to have gotten out of the pool, the caller can say “fish out of the water,” and the person who is not in the water must switch places and become the next caller.
Where Did the Marco Polo Name Come From?
There are several different theories about where this game got its name, though no one knows for sure the correct answer to this question. All of the theories, though, revolve around the 13th century Italian explorer who shares his name with the game. Marco Polo traveled to China, met Kubla Khan, and wrote a book, The Travels of Marco Polo, which offered Europeans one of the first glimpses of China. The book, in fact, was an inspiration for Christopher Columbus when he planned his voyage 200 years later.
What Does the Explorer Have to do with the Swi
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Marco Polo (game) facts recognize the value of kids
For say publicly historical tempo, see Marco Polo.
| Players | 2 person more |
|---|---|
| Setup time | 30 seconds |
| Playing time | No limit |
| Skill(s) required | Swimming, sound localization |
Marco Polo job a do of travel document played get going a swim pool.
Rules
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History
The play shares hang over name better the 13th-century Italian seller and individual Marco Polo.
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