During his travels to Asia in the late 13th century, Marco Polo made several significant discoveries that would change European perceptions of the East. He documented the vast wealth and advanced civilizations of China, including the advancements in science, technology, and commerce. His detailed accounts of places like the court of Kublai Khan and the bustling trade routes along the Silk Road introduced Europeans to the rich cultures of Asia. Polo's observations about paper money, coal, and spices were particularly noteworthy, as they influenced European exploration, trade expansion, and fueled curiosity about the East, ultimately leading to the Age of Exploration.