While the most powerful kingdoms in Europe trembled at the dangerous proximity of the Tatar hordes which were now firmly established in the east of Europe, the merchants of Genoa and Venice felt not a little satisfaction, perhaps, at the prospect of new and ample markets being thus opened for the commodities of the West. The character of a merchant is held in much respect by Eastern nations: pomp and profusion are reckoned by them among the virtues of a prince; the simplicity of the Tatars and their ignorance of Europe promised ample profits to those who first ventured to open a correspondence with them. The valuable productions of the East had so firmly associated the idea of wealth with that quarter of the world, that it would be matter of surprise if the enterprising merchants of the Italian states had neglected to try their fortunes at the courts of the Tatarian princes.

Two noble Venetians, named Maffio and Nicolo Polo, were among the first to make the experiment, After disposing of a large stock of merchandise at Constantinople, they considered how they might employ their capital to the best advantage, and resolved on a trading visit to the Tatars, who had now resumed the occupations of peace in the plains around the Volga. They accordingly purchased a stock of jewels, and crossed the Black Sea in 1254, to the camp of Barkah, brother or son of Baatu, whose usual residence was at Bolgar or Saraï.