In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

Year: 2008

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Documentary

Some people dream big dreams. Only a few bold adventurers live them. In the Footsteps of Marco Polo is a 2008 PBS documentary that follows explorers Denis Belliveau and Francis O’Donnell as they retrace Marco Polo’s 13th‑century route in 1993, traveling from Venice through Anatolia, Persia, India and into China, and reflecting on the history, cultures and challenges they encounter along the ancient Silk Road.

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Timeline & Setting – In the Footsteps of Marco Polo (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of In the Footsteps of Marco Polo (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

13th century, 1990s

The story begins in the 13th century during Marco Polo's travels, a time marked by the expansion of trade routes and the Mongol Empire’s dominance. The modern journey takes place in the early 1990s, a period of post-Cold War exploration, political change, and renewed interest in historical and cultural discovery across Central and East Asia.

Location

Venice, Italy; Jerusalem, Israel; Ayaş, Turkey; Bukhara, Uzbekistan; Afghanistan; Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan; Tajikistan; Kashgar, China; Dunhuang, China; Zhangye, China; Mongolia; Hong Kong, China; Sumatra, Indonesia; Sri Lanka; Madras, India; Iran; Venice, Italy

The movie traverses a diverse range of locations, showcasing ancient cities, remote mountain corridors, vast deserts, and bustling ports. Each place is integral to the Silk Road route that Marco Polo and the explorers attempt to retrace, highlighting the cultural, historical, and geographical diversity of the regions involved. These locations reflect the blend of tradition, conflict, and discovery encountered on the journey.

🌍 Historical 🕌 Religious 🏜 Desert 🏔 Mountain 🚢 Maritime 🏙 Urban

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Main Characters – In the Footsteps of Marco Polo (2008)

Meet the key characters of In the Footsteps of Marco Polo (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Denis Belliveau

A dedicated explorer and documentarian, Denis is committed to proving the historical accuracy of Marco Polo's accounts through immersive travel. He demonstrates resilience and curiosity, often facing physical and political challenges during the journey.

🎥 Documentarian 🧭 Explorer 🌟 Persistent

Francis O'Donnell

An adventurous traveler aiming to retrace Marco Polo’s route, Francis exhibits resourcefulness and bravery. His leadership helps navigate political obstacles and unexpected dangers in regions with restrictive borders and conflict.

🎖️ Veteran 🗺️ Adventurer 💪 Courageous

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Major Themes – In the Footsteps of Marco Polo (2008)

Explore the central themes of In the Footsteps of Marco Polo (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Exploration

The film centers on the adventurous spirit of exploration, both historical and modern. By retracing Marco Polo's route, the explorers seek to uncover historical truths and experience the diverse cultures along the Silk Road. Their journey symbolizes curiosity, discovery, and the quest for understanding across different civilisations and eras.

🤝 Cultural Exchange

The journey highlights the importance of cultural exchange, as the explorers engage with local populations, experience traditional customs, and face political barriers. The narrative emphasizes how historical trade routes fostered interconnectedness, and how these links continue to influence cross-cultural understanding today.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

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In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Summary

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In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Summary

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Timeline

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In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Timeline

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In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Spoiler-Free Summary

More About In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

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