By his concubines he has twenty-five sons, all of whom are daily
exercised in martial employments, and are all promoted to high military
posts and governments. Seven of his sons by his lawful wives are kings of
great provinces, and rule the countries committed to their charge with
great prudence and discretion.
[1] In a former note, it has been mentioned, on the authority of Abulgazi-
khan, himself a descendant of Zingis, and prince, of Khuaresm, that
Kublai-khan was only the fifth emperor of the Tartars, and that he
ascended the throne in 1257. The difference of date in this latter
circumstance is quite unimportant, and may have proceeded, either from
a different way of reckoning, or the delay of intelligence from so
vast a distance. But Kublai died in 1292, after reigning thirty-five
years, according to Abulgazi, and is said to have been then eighty
years of age. He must therefore have been forty-five years old at his
accession, instead of twenty-seven. Harris indeed mentions in, a note,
that the age of Kublai in the MSS. and even in many of the printed
editions, was left blank. - E.
[2] In Harris, this date is 1286; but as, in a note, this war is said to
have occurred on occasion of the election of Kublai to the imperial
dignity in 1257, I have ventured to restore what seems to be the true
date. Besides Naiam, in 1286, thirty years of age, could not possibly
have been the uncle of Kublai. - E.
[3] The new city of Pekin, of which hereafter. - E.
[4] The followers of Naiam in this rebellion are said to have consisted of
four nations, or tribes of Tartars, named Ciazza, Cadi, Barscol, and
Sitinqui, but of whom no other information or notice remains. - E.
[5] This is the only notice of the Jews in the east by Marco Polo, and
serves considerably to confirm the authenticity of Rabbi Banjamin;
who, as a Jew, felt more interest in attending to his countrymen. - E.
SECTION XI.
Account of the Imperial City of Cambalu, and the Court of the Great Khan,
or Emperor of the Tartars.
During the three winter months of December, January, and February,
Kublai-khan generally resides in Cambalu[1] which is at the north-east
border of Kathay. On the north part of the new city stands the great palace
of the khan. In the first place is a great wall surrounding a vast square
enclosure, each side being eight miles in length; the wall is environed on
the outside by a deep ditch, and has a great gate in the middle of each
side.
