Read the passage. You must know that it is the greatest Palace that ever was. . . . The roof is very lofty, and the walls of the Palace are all covered with gold and silver. They are also adorned with representations of dragons [sculptured and gilt], beasts and birds, knights and idols, and sundry other subjects. And on the ceiling too you see nothing but gold and silver and painting.

–The Travels of Marco Polo,
Marco Polo

What was one effect of Marco Polo’s descriptions of China?

They encouraged trade between China and Europe.
They helped Europeans copy Chinese building methods.
They persuaded Italian merchants to become patrons of Chinese artists.
They inspired the Mongolian Empire to make travel on the Silk Road safer.