Description

Following in the footsteps of Marcel Proust and Colette, the town of Courseulles-sur-Mer, in collaboration with the Cercle des Cultures association, pays tribute to Marco Polo on the 700th anniversary of his death. On Saturday November 16 at the Salle Quiquemelle, the town of Courseulles is offering 2 free events dedicated to the explorer:

2pm - Dictation: Revive childhood memories and test your spelling on a text by Marco Polo (translated by Eugène Müller in 1888), read by Christine David from Cercle des Cultures. No stakes, no competition, just the pleasure of a fun, collective experience. Open to all, all ages, with materials and goodies provided. Free - Register by November 12 at the Town Hall reception desk or at communication@ville-courseulles.fr

3pm - "Marco Polo?s incredible journey" lecture: by Céline Moulys. Free - Registration required by November 12 at the Town Hall reception desk or at communication@ville-courseulles.fr.

Who was Marco Polo? Born in 1254, this famous Venetian merchant embarked at the age of 17 with his father and uncle on a voyage to China via the Silk Road. Marco took constant notes, recounting in particular his stay with the Mongol emperor Kubilai Khan, where he acted as investigator-messenger, a kind of ambassador. After 25 years of discoveries, he returned to Venice. He was confronted with the war against Genoa and taken prisoner. It was during his two years in captivity that he dictated to his cellmate, Rustichello of Pisa, the account of his incredible voyage, The Book of Wonders or The Devisement of the World (devisement meaning description). The work quickly became a bestseller. Printing was not yet available, but handmade copies circulated throughout Europe. For centuries, the Book of Wonders was the most valuable source of information on the Far East. At the age of 45, Marco Polo decided never to set sail again, and married Donata Badoer, with whom he had three daughters. He died at home in Venice on January 8, 1324, aged 70. He is considered one of the greatest explorers of all time.

Opening hours

  • the 16 november 2024 from 14:00 to 16:30

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