What language did Marco Polo speak?

Answer 1

Marco Polo was a native of Venice and therefore spoke the Venetian language, which is a Romance language distinct from the formal Italian of his era. He learned little or no Latin. Because of his travels in Mongolia and China he probably was able to speak Mongolian and Mandarin Chinese of the era, as well as a form of Greek, which was widely used by merchants of the era, and perhaps the languages of other territories he traveled through.

Answer 2

Good question! According to historians, Marco Polo himself wrote that he spoke four languages, but did not state which they were.

We can assume that he spoke Mongolian because he was in service to the Mongol leader, the Kublai Khan, for 24 years, and was made governor of a province for 3 years. He also spent some time in Persia and Turkey, so most likely spoke those two languages, as well. Being Italian, Marco also spoke Latin.

Answer 3

Marco Polo spoke Latin. Also, according to Catholic encyclopedia, he learned Uighur, Persian, Chinese and Mongolian during his travels in Asia.