Question

How might history have been different if Marco Polo had not traveled to China? Would the West have experienced the same level of curiosity and eventual engagement with the East regardless of his influence?
answer in one sentence

Answer 1

If Marco Polo had not traveled to China, the West might have experienced a delay in curiosity and engagement with the East, as his accounts contributed significantly to stimulating European interest in Asian cultures and trade, but other factors like the Crusades and later exploration would likely have sparked similar curiosity eventually.