Reading “The travels of Marco Polo” makes me feel illiterate. Anyone get this sensation when reading a classic?

I’m reading the penguin house translation of “the travels of Marco Polo” and I’m about 50 pages in. I feel so lost. I have a bachelors in geography and have read several history books / historic dramatizations and nothing has me re-reading passages as frequently.

I’m not sure if it’s the translation (from original Italian) or just the place names being almost entirely changed to the times of Polos adventure.

His notes on all the regions he visits on land seem confusing and jarring. Like he belittles Muslims in what I assume is Anatolia but then praises them in what I assume is Azerbaijan but for no other reasons than their faith.

His and his father’s relationship with the Great Khan is also really confusing me. Like his position changes frequently and I’m just so lost.