“There are prophets who are worshipped and to whom everybody does reverence. The Christians say their god was Jesus Christ; the Saracens, Mohammed; the Jews, Moses; and the idolaters Sakamuni Borhan [that is, Sakiamuni Buddha, who was the first god to the idolaters]; and I do honor and reverence to all four, that is to him who is the greatest in heaven and more true, and him I pray to help me.”

Question

This is an excerpt of a document written by the Italian merchant Marco Polo during the thirteenth century after his visit to the Yuan dynasty. Which of the following historical arguments is best supported by this excerpt?

(1 point)
Responses

The primary source document supports the argument that the Yuan dynasty was tolerant of different religious practices.
The primary source document supports the argument that the Yuan dynasty was tolerant of different religious practices.

The primary source document supports the historical narrative that the Mongols gave the best jobs to Mongols over the ethnic Han population.
The primary source document supports the historical narrative that the Mongols gave the best jobs to Mongols over the ethnic Han population.

The secondary source document supports the historical narrative that the Mongols persecuted idolators.
The secondary source document supports the historical narrative that the Mongols persecuted idolators.

The primary source document supports the historical narrative that the Mongols gave preferential treatment

Answer 1

The primary source document supports the argument that the Yuan dynasty was tolerant of different religious practices.

Marco Polo's acknowledgment of multiple religious figures and his expression of reverence towards them indicates a level of religious tolerance within the Yuan dynasty. This reflects the Mongol leaders’ general policy of allowing various religions to coexist and be practiced freely among their subjects.