The Travels of Marco Polo, Vol. 1 · Marco Polo

Book I, Chapter L: The Battle Between Chinghis Kaan and Prester John

70 of 115 · 1 min of reading

And after both sides had rested well those two days, they armed for the fight and engaged in desperate combat; and it was the greatest battle that ever was seen. The numbers that were slain on both sides were very great, but in the end Chinghis Kaan obtained the victory. And in the battle Prester John was slain. And from that time forward, day by day, his kingdom passed into the hands of Chinghis Kaan till the whole was conquered.

[Illustration: A. Housselin D._

I may tell you that Chinghis Kaan reigned six years after this battle, engaged continually in conquest, and taking many a province and city and stronghold. But at the end of those six years he went against a certain castle that was called CAAJU, and there he was shot with an arrow in the knee, so that he died of his wound. A great pity it was, for he was a valiant man and a wise.

I will now tell you who reigned after Chinghis, and then about the manners and customs of the Tartars.

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End of part 70 of 115