Whose stories from the 1200s inspired people to explore?

The correct answer is Marco Polo, whose stories from the 1200s had a profound impact on inspiring exploration during the Age of Discovery. Marco Polo traveled extensively throughout Asia and documented his experiences in "The Travels of Marco Polo," which provided Europeans with a detailed and fascinating account of the cultures, riches, and wonders of the East. His interactions in places like China during the Yuan Dynasty opened the imagination of readers back in Europe, igniting curiosity about the world beyond their borders.

Polo's vivid descriptions of the wealth of Asia, including spices, silk, and precious stones, created a sense of adventure and opportunity, influencing later explorers who sought to find new trade routes and resources. His narratives not only spurred the ambitions of individual explorers but also encouraged the broader European powers to pursue maritime exploration and colonization, setting the stage for significant developments in global trade and cultural exchanges.