What key commodities did Marco Polo introduce to Europeans from Asia and the Middle East?

Marco Polo played a significant role in introducing Europeans to various key commodities during his travels through Asia and the Middle East. The correct answer highlights the importance of spices, silk, scents, and precious metals as essential goods that were highly sought after in Europe. Spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves, were particularly valuable for their ability to preserve food and enhance flavors. Silk, produced in China, was a luxurious fabric that became a symbol of wealth and status in Europe.

Scents, which often included aromatic substances used in perfumes and religious rituals, and precious metals such as gold and silver, further contributed to the economic and cultural exchanges that took place as a result of Marco Polo's journeys. This influx of Asian goods not only influenced European culinary practices and fashion but also stimulated trade routes, leading to a significant increase in commercial activity during the late Middle Ages. Marco Polo's accounts provided vivid descriptions of these commodities and their impact on European society, thus making them key elements of his legacy.