Around 1292 AD, the Venetian merchant and explorer Marco Polo arrived in Sri Lanka (which he called Seilan) on his return journey from China. His writings provided Europe with one of the first detailed accounts of the island, painting a picture of a land rich in natural beauty and resources.
The Finest Island
Polo famously described Sri Lanka as “the finest island of its size in the world.” He noted its lush landscapes and the abundance of rice, milk, and flesh, observing that the people lived a simple life, often going nearly naked due to the tropical heat.
A Land of Gems
What impressed Polo most was the island’s mineral wealth. He wrote of the abundance of rubies, sapphires, topazes, and amethysts found in the riverbeds. He even recounted a story of a massive ruby owned by the king, “a span in length,” which the Great Khan of China had tried in vain to purchase.
The Sacred Mountain
Polo also described Adam’s Peak, a site of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Muslims. He noted the existence of the “sepulchre of Adam” atop the mountain, highlighting the island’s religious significance. His accounts helped cement Sri Lanka’s reputation in the West as a land of exotic wonders and spiritual mystery.