In the opening chapter of The Travels of Marco Polo, Armenia is the first region Marco describes on his journey. He divides the area into two distinct sections of Lesser Armenia and Greater Armenia. As we discussed in class, I would describe Polo’s writing, at least in this first chapter, as a travel account rather than a travel narrative. His style is very factual, objective, and focused on details a European audience would be interested in, like geography, trade, religious affiliations, and politics.

Polo begins with his description of Lesser Armenia, focusing specifically on the bustling town of Ayas, which he describes as a “busy emporium” (46). Polo notes that goods like spices and cloth are brought to this town to be sold to merchants from cities like Venice and Genoa, who traveled there to trade. He specifically says that “…merchants and others who wish to penetrate the interior all make this town the starting-point of their journey,” meaning that Ayas functions as a gateway for merchants or other travelers to trade or purchase goods and then continue their travels (46). Polo also focuses on the religious affiliation and geographical location of Lesser Armenia. When describing the land surrounding the region, Polo mentions ships that are “…sailing to Christendom,” referring to Christian Europe. It’s important to note that Polo is commenting on religion because it’s clearly something important to not only himself but also the potential readers and intended audience of his travel writing. Towards the end of this section, Polo also briefly describes the surrounding people and their beliefs. His tone becomes more subjective when describing the Turcomans, saying that they speak a “…barbarous language,” which reflects the views of the region and politics at the time (46). It also may reflect his idea of his own status and his perspective that he is above this other race.

Polo then describes Greater Armenia and another busy city there called Erzincan, located near the entrance to the province. He highlights that this city is also important for trade and is known for making the best buckram. Other crafts are also practiced and perfected there. Polo notes the “inhabitants are Armenians and vassals of the Tartar,” meaning the people living there are ethnically Armenian, but politically subordinate to the Tartars. He finally writes that the city is the seat of an archbishop and hosts Tartars in the summertime. I think it’s important again to recognize that Polo specifically includes these details with the image of his European audience in mind and includes information about religion and politics.

Polo’s focus on geography, trade, religious affiliations, and politics in his recounting of Lesser and Greater Armenia shows more about his culture based on his observations and his purpose for recording this information. Polo’s father and uncle were distinguished and respected merchants who included young Marco Polo in their travels. Because of this background, Polo clearly understands the importance of economics and trade in other regions, and it is something he specifically pays attention to throughout his account. He also repeatedly references Christianity and Christian leadership, which may reflect his personal feelings, but also suggests that he is catering to a European audience in his mind. Polo was a well-respected writer, and in the prologue it says, “When Marco went on his mission…he paid close attention to all the novelties and curiosities that came his way, so that he might retail them to the Great Khan…he went on to recount all the…things he had seen on the way, so well…” (41). This quote shows how Polo is respected and seen as a trustworthy source, but also writes to powerful figures, which influences what he writes about and how much detail he includes. Overall, Polo’s recounting of Lesser and Greater Armenia is a powerful introduction to his journey and travel writing and reflects his unique perspective as a merchant traveler and his intent to inform his European audience, potentially interested in trade, politics, and religion of different regions.