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ORIGINS'|MAGAZINE LHISTORY | MYSTERY —-|--SCTENCE Se eens peer Nee eed as a \ ewe ec Quest for Paititi, . emi i ‘ Tbn Battuta eee geass First Woman to Circumnavigate Bet aig City of the Inca the Globe Muslim World mat Professional Wrestler Brings Nordic Myths to Life ss IENT ORIGINS y Delve into History with 5 Leif Erikson: Adventures of From Pilgrimages to Package the Lucky Viking in Vinland Journey Through Iconic Travel Journals Tourism History CONTENTS |FEATURES 48 An Ancient Greek in the Arctic? Pytheas of Massalia and His Voyage of Discovery 12. Renaissance Gaslighting Filippo Brunelleschi’s Elaborate Prank 72 Jeanne Baret and Her Extraordinary 28 The Age of Exploration Voyage Around the World Timeline Quest for Paititi, A Long-Lost Inca City, Interview with Ceslav Cieslar & Yaroslav Vasyunin of Paititi Research 34 Hermes of the Winged Boots: Patron 80 of Traders, Travelers, and Thieves Ancient Origins Magazine | Issue 44 |May - June 2023 magazine@ancient-origins.net ancientoriginsmagazine.com | q te e Ibn Battuta - Marco Polo of Zheng He: Commander of the — Thor Heyerdahl, Reviving the Muslim World Greatest Treasure Fleet of the the Solar Cult of Ancient Ming Dynasty Mariners CHIEF EDITOR AUTHOR COORDINATOR ART DIRECTOR EDITOR 98 Modern Adventurers: Following in the Footsteps of Famous Explorers 106 Mitla Mosaics: Secret Language of the Zapotec City of the Dead? MPM eT ee ee | Pld WINNERS & ALICIA MCDERMOTT ® Chief Editor, Ancient Origins Magazine Explorers: Charting the Unknown Ina world where so much of our life is spent indoors, staring at screens, there is something truly exciting about stories of great exploration. The idea of venturing into the unknown, facing danger, and discovering something new has captivated people for centuries. From the great sea voyages of the Age of Discovery to the exploration of the polar regions and beyond, the exploits of famous explorers have captured our imagination and inspired us. In this issue we cover some of these amazing journeys. You'll see familiar names such as Leif Erikson, Zheng He, and Ibn Battuta, alongside less-familiar faces like Jeanne Baret (the first woman to circumnavigate the globe), Pytheas of Massalia (an ancient Greek who travelled to the Arctic Circle and back), and a list of modern day adventurers following in the footsteps of explorers from the past. These stories show us that there is still so much to discover around the world and, perhaps most importantly, they remind us of the power of the human spirit. No matter how difficult a challenge may seem, we are capable of achieving incredible 4 things if we set our minds to it and take a leap to create the lives and stories we want to be remembered for. Some people do it by combining their passions, such as Ed Gamester, a writer, actor, and stunt performer who's resurrected Nordic myths by combining them with wrestling in a unique theatre experience. Others take on great mysteries from the past, such as the Paititi Research team who are on the quest for that legendary Inca city. You can read all about their fascinating stories in exclusive interviews in this issue. In our own way, our dedicated magazine team is also working hard to achieve great things. Our main goal is to produce a publication that informs, entertains, and engages our readers. And we are thrilled to announce that our efforts have been recognized by others as well. We have recently won two European Publishing Awards. So, we want to thank you for your continued support and feedback. Your input has been invaluable in shaping our magazine and ensuring that we deliver the content that you want to read. All of us can forge our own paths of wonder and discovery! NRICO ACCARIN! Professor Enrico Baccarini is ajournalist, writer, and editor, He is Professor of Oriental Studies at Maitri University CESLAV CIESLAR Ceslav Cieslar is an expert on Paititi and founder of Paititi Research, He graduated in International Relations at Masaryk’s University in Czech Republic and speaks languages. He's a passionate traveler, explorer, and adventurer. ED GAMESTER Eid Gamester isa writer, actor, stunt performer, and creator of the hit theatre show, Mythos: Ragnarok. He specializes in professional wrestling and has performed {in 1000+ live shows, 50+ TV and filen productions, and a dozen music videos, ‘Yaroslav Vasyunin isa remote sensing specialist and passionate about archaeology, which drew him to Paiiti Research. He's ‘4 Geospatial Data Scientist developing, Astificial Intelligence solutions. His work focuses on sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental monitoring. SPOTLIGH XPLORERS, CHARTING THE UNKNO CONTRIBUTORS LIS’ We'd love to hear from you! ENRICO BACCARINI WU MINGREN CECILIA BOGAARD MARK OLIVER CESLAV CIESLAR MICKI PISTORIUS JOANNA GILLAN CALEB STROM NATALIA KLIMCZAK KERRY SULLIVAN LEX LEIGH YAROSLAV VASYUNIN Tell us which issues and articles have inspired you the most, what you'd like to see more of in the future, and your other feedback on the magazine. Shoot us an email at magazine@ancier net Or fill out the contact us form at ) Archaeonews I By Micki Pistorius Aa Ue ae Elite Norsemen who settled in Greenland imported timber for their homes from North America, indicating that they had visited this continent for much longer than what was previously thought. University of Iceland archaeologist Li Gudmundsdéttir studi found at five Norse sit. Greenland dating from the 11th through the mid-15th 6 centuries, and using a method of cellular-level study known as taxa analysis, she was abl distinguish between local wood, driftwood, and imported timber. Four of the five sites were farmsteads where local wood was used, but the fifth, called Igaliku, was clearly occupied by the elite and used imported timber exclusively. Hemlock and Jack pine could only have been harvested in eastern North America, and clearly the Greenlanders possessed the vessels and sailing skills necessary to establish enduring sea routes that crossed the often ice-choked Davis Strait to reach the northern shore of what is now the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. IRON AGE XIONGNU PRINCESSES a Ue Nah Ak 4 ( ff y ae / "te The Iron Age Asian Xiongnu empire (around 200 BC) left no written record, except that written by their enemies, but recent genetic research conducted by Juhyeon Lee, Ph.D. student at Seoul National University and others, at two imperial cemeteries on the edge of the Xiongnu empire, found that high status Xiongnu burials and elite grave goods Re ok anon cen At the aristocratic elite cemetery of Takhiltyn Khotgor the researchers found that the elite monumental tombs had Peete Cac ea cae ge ec kee ee ea ca ees Xiongnu imperial power. One tomb even contained a team of six horses and a partial chariot. Sete eo One EU Ea eee ena eu uae nee) eR EDS MEI a sti EUR en oe e Ti akc soe Ten OA eae oe eet ROO R ceo catenin aera Co) with male horse-mounted warriors: a Chinese lacquer cup, a gilded iron belt clasp, and horse tack. Elite families SOU i ake te Maen cre oR ree aol Polynesians arrived in Remote Oceania at different Cee een eae Ra earliest settlements in the Solomon Islands dated Sans 1500 MILES a) to sometime between the 10th and 13th centuries. Poe eee a ar REMOTE man Pe eee ec A See) Tee ee Nace ne een STS Cone aCe Cate cge ema eu aod ead Anthropology, and the Vanuatu Cultural Center in Remote Oceania, managed to trace the transfer Ce eee eae ec ae CTE mca ecu Ee at eae ne ae OR ea cue es er a Deena eee eee ee) PEM Renee eRe enn) Remote Oceania region, which was more than Bee ee ane cae Ras Cees EEL Ce ae Carer eR a ee eae a ea ae ca In this feature we speak with fascinating people who do this work and gain insight on ‘what it's really lke to have o career that brings the stories of the past into the present. Mary George Ed Gamester is an English writer, Pence ta cu tures ee see oa ats of professional wrestling in Backes ea Rene oe Rocce ocelot ec POR Meu Ruy ee aes EEC et og SRO ecg Reena ter Ma mene ea eee ees eee Oa en ea ena tues) ices nM POR RC ei interested in the theme of Norse Dura Zd EG: I've loved the Nordic myths Pee ama CM Renn Te ea ate er cacs the stories, but by the time | was a teenager | was carving runes, visiting ancient sites and writing my own stories. | studied Ancient (ear eee eam cd Cen ae EMSs Cec Reet scaurcur) ec aye caats Rise eur enc EWR urer eae cr eng erent test eke) Pea eRe ccs Pre semen Cnet egse creative pursuit! rae ey istic path that led you to your role eeu ae err er a a love with wrestling asa child. Like Pe aR eee ena what | wanted to do with my life. cna eM etna NEVES Re eau e Dg 20s, a stunt coordinator saw me Perna RS es and invited me to get involved TUE ees aT Wee eS Ee erates Pesce oe eco aC cate CMAN Ea) pretend to fight and fall down een aEeh Pecans cect arn ee eeu merci Conan Re yale eRe tT meena encore De kom se Oca Ramet quite matched the artistry, PDA eae Reread Prseesear Naee rc Reece TATE aa Peet cee cot ay Pena oe tae) everything | had in a van, a ReOE Wren acy TUR te) Re ae a Re Two weeks later, the pandemic Sa Manic een CO Woe aceon alas something I'd lacked throughout ees meee i Tr Pe cea aT Cerne Me Se omar key Rie ue ene a scenes, so | wasn't entirely sure Raver ee meee one way to find out: | gave myself the most lines, hired Peer ee ae Peas nel EW) olet omar) (0) 00 AN aR eerUrt sey er tagnd Pecan g ee renee tetera ecu aR Procure en Cee Cees cml Ree ced EG: | love the mythological texts, Cece roe eras eo ene ee oman Ree amc tom ced to be sung, performed, and acted Cog er esae et cel Pree Mae et acm Reed Sects I created this show to bring the Nordic myths back to life in a way ea ck R CCC Ronee eae tee a se eee me ce ctecd te Aaa Mere l tic Mai Caco dala aug Ta catekaa tele ale l ne) 4 " ee " rar storytelling: I'd rather watch Thor fight a giant than just Poets I BU Re (ae Co) mee SOT was obvious. For one thing they're living breathing mete aca Recess eee PaO Seni oy Bro AiereterN Vier esy AS Vogt Mo El wrestling, yet few have ever seen Tae rune Uae Seas ec) Ren eee cA eae RoR ec Crate Keo crea ARS Clete ee AL Atel.) SL ay POCO R URN) lei Creamer nen ue iniaae a time when Preteen anor eaten Pee eae ae Ree eg thing, wrestlers can be some of the most skillful yet ot ert eae er leek Oc rc eee eae cam ace Ng os PE eee DCE ry of what we could expect in a performance of Mythos: rar EG: Mythos is a theatre show. ens eteccue ats that because when people eRe Reet Ce reeks and grandmothers swinging handbags. There are (usually) Rem ess ec TR ad RU RC AUC nS Pevensie ae Pecans Seno mune rn gy ea cee eee aac} settle disputes. Our fights just eeu el ee este En aah een Peer soc Bee Roy NC ene MOR PNR oR RR eer UR ae Gods, eee eRe as overall it’s a faithful and loving adaptation of the ancient stories. RUE ome ae Re lod TT Ceti Rua ed oS ue Reh eco Pgs eon nea PETS COTY Cece ma RU Sec eee Rd ited Pa wr, EG: Keeping myths alive involves Peetu aceon) See SESS Cn ecmN eee ene cmeMe lees were afraid of monsters, amazed DCU meni Reco ma ac Cec ene cnea aC aU ese en Sea ee) eee kere on Mra ar ce) at Troy. The same cannot be said Sem Sane eared Rehan er chen us Cees Mie cos tence orice There is a tendency to reduce Dr cigs uricad ees eee) MORN eee oiea eR Rees gr PENN ese eaten Foe oe ag Paro R Rate PUR eC cel a occa Anansi tricked one into holding a heavy coffin that could never be lie UN Ace ae Seen teas Pea Le Eee oem Sra es reece ec rau) eaereon ents Oren) erates WSs Rea Peat enes esses true to be inspired by Thor’s Peer eects eee enemies) DGC emcees) CRUE ence eRe en cae ay To AN a ks ancestors. Thus, sometimes, Pee en TOM e arenes Sr ea ROR ad eee ote The key content is the same Perea Rae the focus is shifted away from er gee Roc Pret ne uNeM Raat kee PE e eC eect ee een Pee eee aoe een ee ee Ont ee en eae Peet cone A AN ACES (elt cla A oe AN ee cd points modern storytellers should consider when they are recreating ancient myths for ENE s EG: If | was going to summarize em a cia Coen Mera aow Pate eek mythology than is necessary for eT Nascar Me a Pree Mr eeu ene oa ea Ruri glaring errors that contradict re aetna em greater mythos. Including less Pee Cun ue CIC) Pete cance keep your story exciting, allow Pee a cea eye al focus on elements that are more Ta seg Rte sara De SeNe et yt r) of interconnected stories, so foe eek cece Vt) with something that is all detail Pe eee erm eee POC MC ae Nae Cerna UUCe een) ce ets aCe Deacon am Clea Ne Seo eRe Ree Ce CCN EN ee enc econ ea ener Neer sc eneu irc TE aRe rte free ne ARR sca en aaa Cee probably understand this makes Sorc u a eM eSneU Rea eon Pua ae on coo My final piece of advice, Sel oll (eke anole to change things for sake Cee ote venta eco Neuen cme eras matter you find distasteful, it's Ret Reo ee a ANCL ed Pe McA AVEO Looe Robe eRe enn eae antes elm Ien) have their stories pasteurized to suit modern sensibilities. Stee eee) PETA ees Tautets content than simply edit it PONS e a sara) PRE cun sry Pee Noe td Cee eases Saree cca Ragnarék, are you working on Parc ced EG: For starters I'd love to. Pees uu a the first in a series of Mythos cer acon Rem no will be based around ancient Boge Cee ins Mra eur kel eee cae Sevetoe ene My aim is to reinvigorate Peso ee stories, not just those relating rons Dues elaCr cli momentum, so | understand Ree ester) eeu cee ety The reality is that | wrote, Preece eae Ree) Sree eee a girlfriend, Melanie, designs eee eu cae keen eo ess cane em Aca oak ese grants, or Arts Council eect) a wonderful cast, crew, and Preueae RCN ae ese Rtn reat enya ete cea Ea a what will happen next, but | Cree meee rm eee re ord Cet ace RoR Nordic or Celtic history, art, and Mea Mere Rete eur RS Northern Fire arts collective. They're a group of artists from all over the world who create Pree aust clothing, music, and all kinds of OMe ae eee ce eRe eee rained esa ee Petes ae) Cee uu of subjects. A few of those ees oneal happens to be of interest to you! aaa a er ee ene ee Pee ee aa mythologicaltheatre.co.uk/ rea ea ra ann Premeenn hinee tnt see ee es Gaslighting is a 21st-century term, but it already existed during the Renaissance when Filippo Brunelleschi, a Florentine man, famously got back at his frien: Manetto, the woodworker, for having failed to show up at a dinner party in Florence, Italy in 1409. Brunelleschi, an Italian architect who has been called the founding father of Renaissance architecture, found that a multi- day mind game was a suitable punishment for the heinous crime of standing your friends up for dinner. 12 Filippo Brunelleschi, best known for designing the dome of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower in Florence, was one of many Italian intellectuals in the 15th century. Because of his love for architecture, he often surrounded himself with a circle of friends of similar intelligence and interests, including artisans, craftsmen, goldsmiths, and woodworkers, who would exchange ideas over dinner. Their conversations would stimulate cooperation and skill-swapping. Manetto, the victim of the story, was a local woodworker known simply as “the fat one” due to his corpulent size. At this particular dinner in 1409, no one could remember actly why Manetto had failed to show up. However, it was noted that he had spurned the invitation, seemingly with no excuse. Brunelleschi’s plan was born from this supposed offense to teach Manetto a lesson about manners and respect. Passed down in the Novella del Grasso Legnajulo, or The Fat Woodworker, by Antonio Manetti, the story is now known as a beffe, the greatest historical prank of the Renaissance. Antonio di Tuccio Manetti, an Italian mathematician and architect, was not born until 1423, several years after the prank allegedly took place. Itis believed this story was so notorious that it was recounted for decades before Manetti wrote and published it as a short story in the late 1400s. The Script and Cast At the dinner, Brunelleschi A multi-day mind game was a suitable punishment for the heinous crime of standing your friends up for dinner. devised a plan to prank Manetto over the course of several days by convincing him that he had magically become a different person. The prank took a great deal of planning, as Brunelleschi had to come up with an entire cast of locals willing to participate in his mischievous shenanigans without accidentally revealing the plot in the process. Each of these ‘cast members” had specific roles to play and precise tasks to complete in order to trick Manetto into thinking he had switched identities with another local named Matteo. With each of 13 these individuals playing their part, Manetto was sure to be utterly duped. Brunelleschi played the first character in his elaborate prank. While Manetto was at his shop, Brunelleschi broke into Manetto's home by picking the lock and then locking the door behind him. When Manetto returned home, he was unable to enter due to Brunelleschi blocking the door. Upon banging on the door in an attempt to knock it down, Brunelleschi mimicked Manetto's voice and pretended to be him from inside the house. Manetto was ordered away from the home by Brunelleschi, who claimed through the door that he was in fact Manetto. Shocked and confused Manetto left in a hurry to see if anyone else in town could explain what was going on. This is when the other cast members came into play. On reaching the town square, famous sculptor Donatello walked up to Manetto to greet him, referring to him only as Matteo. While Manetto desperately tried to get Donatello to tell him what was going on, a bailiff arrived and arrested Manetto on charges of refusing to pay a debt. ‘As Manetto disputed the charge, he realized he was being arrested under the name Matteo, and upon arriving at the prison, Manetto discovered the prisoners recognized him - not as Manetto, but as Matteo! Brunelleschi, a ruthless prankster, let Manetto spend the night in prison in total confusion. Once morning came after a sleepless night, two men claiming to be Matteo’s brothers bailed Manetto out of jail. Instead of relief, Manetto was horrified when Backdrop of the prank: Renaissance Florence with the Basilica di Santa ‘Maria designed with Filippo Brunelleschi. Givaga / Adobe Stock he discovered the two men appeared to recognize him as Matteo, chastising him for ending up in jail, again. Manetto Meets Matteo That night, Manetto ate dinner at Matteo's home, listening to stories he was supposed to remember, with Matteo's brothers blaming his poor memory due to his frequent drunkenness. After dinner, Manetto fell into a deep sleep, not because of his lack of sleep the previous night, but because his “brothers” had doped his drink. Once Manetto was asleep, the men took him and returned him to his actual house, laying him upside-down on his bed and rearranging many of his personal belongings. He awoke to the sound of a loud knock at the door and opened it to find his two “brothers” from the previous day, though this time they treated him differently, calling him Manetto, and not Matteo. They explained that they had come to investigate claims made by their brother Matteo, who alleged he had swapped identities with Manetto during the previous two days. Matteo showed up as well and, peering into the house, claimed he had, indeed, spent the last two days there in a state of confusion. Matteo also claimed that during that time he had had dinner with Manetto’s mother, who lived locally. Upon describing his experience, Manetto realized that this strange story must have been real and not just a dream. He shared his own experiences from the last few. days, and the three men departed from Manetto's home agreeing the situation was certainly mystifying. A Ruse Revealed Itwas not until a few days later, when Manetto had dinner with his mother, that he discovered the ruse. She claimed she had not been in town during the days the swapped identities had taken place, revealing a grave error in Matteo's story. Though Manetto suspected Filippo Brunelleschi was behind the famous historic prank, he did not confront him immediately due to his embarrassment. Between the members at the party, the bailiff, and the prisoners, Brunelleschi had come up with an impressive cast of characters willing to follow through with this elaborate ruse. Manetto felt incredibly foolish, not only for having fallen for the prank, but also upon realizing just how many people in his hometown were willing to make a fool of him. He was so embarrassed that he immediately moved from Florence to Hungary to work with a mercenary there, without saying a single word to anyone. Lady Luck took pity on poor Manetto. During his time in Hungary, he became extremely wealthy and successful. According to the story, Manetto returned to Florence years later for a visit and reunited with Filippo Brunelleschi, when they were able to laugh about the intricate hoax. Modern gaslighters have much to learn from Renaissance masters! = 15 TN ay LY STP var Cac Rese eke aa Dragon Boat Festival CRAs Re eee ee ery Sel mu a ee and statesman Qu Yuan of the Chu oes) oer ceil Sa aM tLe) ee aU Ce CUE Cellar LN rice is dropped ORR ao Pecan hil consuming his body. BSE renee Rate tc RTs eae ey ESRC Rm OMe ao by bathing in flower eR ICC RS Ae oog eens RY Ysa ih fi While taking a summer vacation is now a standard practice for many in modern society, tourism was far less common in ancient times. Nonetheless, people have always had a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to explore, which means that travel did occur, albeit differently than it does today. Thus, it's worth exploring what tourism looked like in ancient times and where people liked to travel the most, keeping in mind that the perception of tourists has also changed throughout history. What was Ancient Tourism Like? Tourism, as we know it, did not exist in ancient times. Undertaking travel was a dangerous venture that only a few could afford or were willing to engage in because of the the many risks involved, RIMAGES TO PACKAGE A NOUNEY THR RISE HISTOR BY LEN LEIGH a RO 1 such as starvation, dehydration, disease, and even death by bandits or wild animals. Therefore, travel was typically reserved for situations that necessitated it, such as relocation for medical, political, or religious reasons. In the past, travel was mostly driven by practical reasons rather than leisurely pursuits. Armies would travel to conquer new lands or cities, while merchants would venture to popular trade hubs within their regions to sell or buy goods. ‘Additionally, some people would journey to attend important religious ceremonies or relocate to new areas. These trips were essential needs within society rather than wants, thus they cannot be classified as tourism. S As time went on, technology seis eee the.expansion of roads and the _ AY « development of more ‘efficient enjoy the local shops, restaurants, games, and travel using boats, chariots, and carriages, f other forms of entertainment. travelling for leisure or tourism became an intriguing possibility. Early tourists tended During the time of the Roman Empire, the to steer clear of cities plagued with political desire to remain abroad for entertainment or civil unrest, as they could be dangerous ~—_continued. To facilitate this, the Romans in the event of an uprising. They developed a vast network of roads would also avoid cities that that spanned over 50,000 miles, were known to have hostility making travel easier than ever toward their own regions, before. In order to ensure a as such visits could be comfortable journey, they perilous. They would also implemented a well instead choose regions thought out inn system. known to be safe, driven by a desire to explore and discover new places. The Romans strategically placed inns every 30 miles along their extensive road network, a distance which was roughly equivalent to a Although technological advancements made travel easier than walking or going on horseback, it was nevertheless perilous and time- Ancient Roman road, consuming. Travelers would Ai Aiekestace day's travel at the time. often bring small weapons This thoughtful approach to hospitality for protection, along with any money provided travelers with a reliable place to rest they planned to spend. Travel could take and refresh themselves before continuing. “| anywhere from a few days toa few weeks their journey, making long-distance travela (or even a few months!), depending on the —_ more feasible option. With these innovations, | distance of the intended journey. This also the Romans set a precedent for travel that meant taking preserved food, or knowing would be emulated for centuries to come. where to stop along the way to find food f beetle when hungry. During ancient times, there The establishment of tourism facilities, such were few) if any, established rest stops as inns, along Roman roads not only ensured catering-to tourists, a comfortable journey but also contributed to ~ 2 a sense of safety and security for travelers. + Tourism Destinations of the With more people present along the routes, pi Ancient World there was a lower chance of running into wi dangerous situations or facing shortages Tourist destinations were plentiful in the of essential supplies like food and water. past, but some were more popular than Additionally, the risk of encountering natural others. Ancient tourists were particularly predators was reduced since travel was no drawn to locations that served multiple longer through endless plains or overgrown purposes. This trend was evident among, wilderness. The Roman road network ancient Egyptians, who often traveled for became so well-established that people government activities but would stayin. _ from surrounding areas would visit Rome foreign areas longer than necessary to. _._// specifically to see the roads, inns, and other infrastructure that made travel better. Language and currency were an important part of tourism at this time as well. If your destination used a different currency or spoke a different language, you would likely be a bit reserved about spending much time there (if any time at all), To overcome this barrier -» and encourage more tourism, (common tourist areas made bs id an effort oh to conduct BING business t ¢~. in multiple languages and accepted various currencies. This inclusivity made it easier for visitors to navigate the destination and enjoy their stay. Tourism was a Risky Business in the Middle Ages The fall of the Roman Empire marked a significant shift in the landscape of tourism, as travel became much riskier and less common. With nations constantly at war with one another, venturing to anew place became an undertaking fraught with danger for the traveler. The efficient transportation infrastructure that the Romans had established was largely destroyed, making travel more difficult and time-consuming. The linguistic diversity that had once been an asset to tourism now became a barrier, as different languages became increasingly separated from one another. Asa result, the tourism industry stagnated for many years, with only the bravest and most adventurous travelers venturing out to explore new places. Travel shifted from being a leisurely pursuit to once again a necessity, driven by religious and political motives. Nations vied for power, making travel CF crucial for establishing trade routes and political alliances. However, many were still reluctant to take the risk, and travel remained infrequent and limited. It wasn't until the 13th century, when Marco Polo embarked on his solo journey and began to write about his adventures, that people started taking an interest in travel for exploration again. By the Renaissance, trade began to regain momentum, and merchants were willing to. throughout many societies. venture further afield in search However, travelling still wasn't of new markets and goods. easy. At this time, it was This increase in trade created mostly reserved for the upper opportunities for new tourism classes, as travel and lodging and commercial ventures to _had increased in price due emerge, particularly in Europe. to high demand. Rooms that As people visited these trading could hold an average family posts to purchase new and were instead reserved for luxury goods, their curiosity those able to pay the most. about the wider world was piqued, particularly regarding the origins of their favorite products. This growing interest in travel and exploration eventually gave rise to the of the wealthy would Grand Tour Era - atime when _ travel abroad to gain an wealthy Europeans embarked on understanding of the world extended journeys throughout | 2round them, making them the continent, visiting cultural ™ore knowledgeable and well- and historical sites and soaking founded. Someone who'd had int tite'artsiinterarerarel the opportunity to engage in architecture of different regions. tourism was seen as having a higher status, since they were Tourism was held in high regard at this time because it was often used as a form of education. The children The Grand Tour Era: _ perceived as more educated. Tourism for the Rich During this era, Germany, and Famous Italy, France, and Switzerland were the most sought- after travel destinations in Europe. Travelers would often hoose to journey to The Grand Tour Era, as can be assumed by its name, was a major point in the history of tourism. Between 1613 and 1785, the Grand Tour Era established tourism as a norm carriages, driven by skilled chauffeurs who were familiar with the routes, as it was a more comfortable mode of transportatior They would usually bring along a companion, such as a servant or an experienced traveler, who could take care of their needs throughout the journey. Ushering in a New Era: The Industrial Revolution to Modern Times Towards the end of the 48th century, tourism faced a new set of challenges brought on by the Industrial Revolution. The shift towards more stable employment made it difficult for people to take extended periods of time off to travel. Workers found themselves tied to their factories and businesses all week, with little flexibility for vacationing. However, the Industrial Revolution also brought about new technological advancements that made travel easier and more efficient. This, coupled with the rise in wages for workers, meant that many could now afford to take a well-deserved vacation. Additionally, business travel was on the rise. After several decades tied down with work \ and missing out on tourism experiences, workers began tiring of their overburdened schedules. With more money came a greater desire to expand one's worldview. Planes, cars, and boats could be used to travel more quickly and comfortably than before. Office jobs also became more popular for their greater flexibility, and paychecks began to be used to see the world, coo At this point, tourism became an essential part of a fulfiling life. Countries such as France became hotspots for tourism due to their advanced technology and road infrastructure, which made it easier for tourists to access new and exciting destinations. Thomas Cook, an English businessman, was a pioneer in the tourism industry, inspiring people without prior travel LONDON, BRIGHTON, & SOUTH. COAST NILESPALESTINIE December 1888 edition of ‘Cook's Continental Time Tables & Tourist’s Handbook’ Public domain “English Tourists in Campagna’ (circa 1835) by Carl Spitzweg. Public domain experience to take a leap and embark on an adventure. Later, in the 20th century, the establishment of paid work leave made it possible for more families to take time off and travel. This was a significant turning point in the history of tourism, representing the most significant increase in travel since the Grand Tour era. Hotels and motels became increasingly prevalent businesses worldwide throughout the 20th century, further bolstering the tourism industry. Later, the introduction of credit cards helped make vacations more affordable for lower-income families. Credit cards also helped standardize currency, making it easier to travel between countries and purchase necessities more efficiently. Tourism Today: Roadside Attractions, Cruises, #VanLife, and more In the 21st century, travel has become increasingly accessible. With the abundance of information available about different countries, travelers can easily research and plan their trips in advance. Moreover, frequent travelers are no longer content with just visiting new places; they often seek out experiences that cater to their interests, such as adventure, romance, or knowledge. As a result, agencies have begun to offer packages and ‘experiences that cater to these specific interests, making travel Ite id Orien of No 1957 postcard showing tourism airline interior, Joe Haupt / CC BY-SA 20 more personalized and fulfilling than ever. The biggest difference between ancient and modern tourism is purpose. While ancient people traveled as a way to learn about the world around them, modern tourists seek to collect experiences and create memories. Technology provides ample information, yet there is no substitute for actually experiencing new cultures and destinations firsthand. If nothing else, travel nowadays is certainly much more efficient and luxurious than. /2@y inthe past.So, the next time you complain about airport security or cramped airplane seats, just remember how lucky you are to not be traveling IP Hines DC-6B's a Ty [ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA Vf, HANGZHOU, CHINA tes VELL My N Qt WHAT WERE THE MOST POPULAR ANCIENT TOURIST Ber ere Peat eda re a Ear kein eur Sa cetera cu ee on Cau aN Cece eee ea tae eu ecto ry aon cus eels ecm arte ce sera Buddhists for worship, the site has historically also attracted travelers for its stunning architecture. Giza, Egypt: Home to the iconic pyramids and Great Sphinx, Giza was a particularly popular tourist destination for both European and African travelers in the past. In addition to the awe-inspiring structures, tourists were drawn to luxurious goods such as oils and precious stones. Uru i age ce Ree ea ec On ee een ee ee Oecd ae descriptions of its beautiful temples, lakes, pavilions, and lively marketplaces filled with local produce and fish. Marco Polo called it “the finest and most splendid city in the world.” Persepolis, Persia: The ancient capital of Persia, Persepolis Served not only as a political hub, but also as a popular spot for leisure travelers. Both its impressive art and architecture were crafted to leave a eta eae eke MR ere eee Re ees lm cn econ ol ete ey was known for its bustling trade center and grand architecture. Visiting traders were entertained by el ee eeu Ue ce eg eed eg lg te The best and only source you will ever need for everything ancient, mysterious and unexplained BRONZE Poe ney Cn Geta Lila Ta Le fe sd Cea ec neers Peay reeeri Insider Newseter ear Cope en 5 See (ee = 28 EXPLOR 4602 ne Bure row 1600 [ENGLAND LAUNCHES THE EAST INDIA TRADING COMPANY SIR France ComPLenee DRA Py ccun Vy ortie' wont A Time to Discover The Age of Exploration, from the 15th to the 17th century, was a time of unprecedented curiosity and expansion as new routes to India, the Far East, and the Americas were discovered. These explorations not only opened up new trade routes, but also expanded scientific knowledge, sparked the growth of empires, and brought about significant changes to the world's political and economic landscape. Its legacy can still be felt today, as the world continues to grapple with the complex legacies of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for global power and influence. 1419 - Prince Henry the Navigator Founds the Sagres School of Navigation Henry brought together the best experts in navigation, mapmaking, and shipbuilding to advance the industry and plan expeditions. Thanks to his fundraising, innovations, and support, Portugal expanded its wealth and territory as it colonized and terrorized the area along the western and eastern coast of Africa, and the islands off West Africa. 1453 - Ottoman Turks Capture Constantinople The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks had a huge impact on trade routes for Europeans. Due to the Ottoman imposition of high taxes on goods, and the increased risk of piracy, European powers began to look for alternative sea routes into Asia. 30 1488 - Bartolomeu Dias Sails Around the Cape of Good Hope In an event which ensured Portuguese superiority in the race to find a sea route to India, Dias sailing around the Cape of Good Hope - at the tip of modern-day South Africa - in 1488, effectively proved the existence of a sea route into the Indian Ocean. 1492 - Christopher Columbus “Discovers” the New World Sponsored by the Spanish Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, the Italian Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a westward route into Asia. Instead he “discovered” several islands in the Caribbean in 1492, and was made governor of Hispaniola, modern-day Haiti. Columbus never actually set foot on the American continent, and thought that he had reached the East Indies. His find paved the way for the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Columbus's legacy is controversial, and he was arrested for his mistreatment of indigenous people. In many areas, Columbus Day has been 1924 map representing the world at the time of John Cabot. Public domain replaced by Indigenous Peoples Day, and monuments honoring him have been removed. 1493 - The Pope Creates the Line of Demarcation To quash arguments between Portugal and Spain, Pope Alexander VI divided up the non-European world, in an event that demonstrates Europe's historic sense of entitlement. In May 1493, the Pope decreed the Inter caetera bull in which everything west and south of an imaginary line drawn from pole to pole, west The Pilar of Vasco da Gama in Malindi, in modern-day Kenya, was created in 198 to provide dlrections others following his route to Inia Jool / Adobe Stock of the Azores or Cape Verde Islands, was said to belong to Spain. The Portuguese negotiated for the line to be redrawn in the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas, moving it further west, ensuring their claim to Brazil and its Atlantic islands. 1497 - John Cabot Reaches North America In June 1497, the Italian navigator John Cabot set out on an expedition commissioned by Henry VII of England to find a Northern route to India. Cabot and his crew sailed on board the Matthew and became the first Europeans to encounter North America. Upon reaching either Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Labrador, or Maine, Cabot claimed the land for England. 1498 - Vasco da Gama Becomes the First European to Reach India by Sea Vasco da Gama sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in 1497 and landed in the south Indian port of Calicut in May 1498. The Portuguese explorer failed to reach a trade deal with the Indians, who preferred to trade with the Ottomans. In retaliation he returned again in 1502 with more ships, terrorized the area, and murdered a ship of Muslim pilgrims, forcing Calicut's ruler to sign a trade deal in exchange for peace. 1501 - Amerigo Vespucci Realizes South America isn’t in Asia Having embarked on at least three voyages to South America, the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci sailed under the Portuguese flag in 1501 and travelled along the coast of modern-day Brazil. Along the way he named the rivers Rio de Janeiro, since he reached there on January 4st, 1502, and Rio de la Plata. Inaletter penned by Amerigo in 1502, he claimed to have discovered a New World; “since our forebears had absolutely no knowledge of it, nor do any of those who are hearing about it today... 31 Once there, we determined that the new land was not an island but a continent.” The continent was then named after him - hence America - according to the 1507 Waldseemiiller map. 1521 - The Aztec Empire Falls to the Spanish WN Motivated by gold and ‘Atahualipa, Inca XI portrait religious zeal, Hernan x Casco School Pable domain Cortes arrived in Mexico in 1519, where he encountered Montezuma II, the ruler of the Aztec Empire. The Spanish created an outbreak of smallpox which had a devastating impact on the indigenous population. Using both diplomacy and military force, by 1521 Montezuma was dead and Cortes had defeated the Aztecs and “the Mosing of or ane Daal the sou American portion fhe Welseemaler ened Perrier a Coe Spain. half of the 7h century. Pullic domain 1522 - The First Circumnavigation of the Worl Sailing under the Spanish flag, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set out to find atrade route to the Indonesian Spice Islands to bring back incredibly valuable spices. Having crossed the Strait of Magellan in November 1520, and Guam in March 1521, only one ship, the Nao Victoria, actually made it back to Spain. Magellan was not among the survivors. 32 1533 - The Spanish Execute the Inca Emperor Atahualpa In 1533, the Spanish, led by Francisco Pizarro, executed the last great Inca emperor, Atahualpa, which marked the end of the Inca Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonization in South America. Pizarro had arrived in South America in 1531 with a small army and took advantage of conflicts among the Inca rulers. Atahualpa was captured by Pizarro and held for ransom, but despite receiving a large sum of gold and silver, the Spanish still executed him. 1580 - Second Circumnavigation of the World Motivated by the desire to raid Spanish ships and ports, Francis Drake left England in December 1577. He circumnavigated the world, returning in October 1578 on the Pelican, and became the first Englishman to navigate the treacherous Straits of Magellan. Drake also ventured farther north than any European before him. Queen Elizabeth knighted him for his achievements, having returned with treasures and spices worth 160,000 Elizabethan pounds. His voyage solidified England's claim to North America and the Pacific Northwest, cementing its place as a Alvaro ats ate Pete major player in the Age of ir a Public domain Discovery. 1600 - England Launches the East India Trading Company In 1600, Queen Elizabeth | of England founded the East India Trading Company (EIC) as a way to force its way into trade in the East Indies and East Asia. More of an army than a trading company, at its peak its armed forces numbered almost 300,000. It helped Bre Aes ct Diecovery Wen eoret oy England colonize large several factors - with trade being at swaths of Southeast Asia. the forefront. The Mongol Empire's The EIC traded in valuable establishment and the Silk Road's opening commodities including allowed for trade to flow between the cotton, silk, spices, salt, and East and West; however, by the 14th even opium. It was only century, the empire's disintegration made dissolved in 1874. travel along the Silk Road dangerous, . forcing nations to seek alternative routes. 1602 - Founding Although trade could be conducted via of the Dutch East a maritime route, there was a problem India Trading - the Mediterranean was dominated by the Venetians, and the Red Sea, which Company gave access to the Indian Ocean, was The Dutch founded the blocked by the Ottoman Turks. Nations Dutch East India Company, on the western end of the continent were or Verenigde Oostindische certainly the biggest losers in such an Compagnie (VOC), in arrangement. 1602, trading in valuable commodities like spices in Asia, playing a vital role in Dutch colonial expansion from Jakarta. By the mid- 17th century, it was the world's wealthiest company with over 150 merchant ships, 40 warships, 50,000 employees, and a 10,000-strong army. It paid a remarkable 40% return on investment and only ceased operations in 1799, marking the end of an era in global trade and colonization. Politics also contributed significantly to the Age of Discovery. On the Iberian Peninsula, the Reconquista, which ended in 1492, resulted in the establishment of new European kingdoms such as Portugal and Spain, whose rulers encouraged overseas voyages to increase their power. Religion also played a significant role, by, for example, motivating Portuguese exploration in search of a legendary Christian king named Prester John who _was said to reign over an Eastern kingdom. They hoped to find him and establish an alliance against the Muslims. Finally, advances in shipbuilding enabled the exploration of new lands. 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This role even extends to the traveling Pore Reet na Pe Oe cay Nea acs one oc eet tere Cece ieee mea h In Classical Greek art, Hermes eee mess Rey caduceus or herald's staff, with ee nee eee Deed angel Rok Crk Tne Be ee Rend Conn eek ne in the form of dreams. The god ear eec Mere) Dre nCeS MuoaaS Seed is commonly portrayed wearing sandals with wings on them, which allowed him to travel Aree ear Ree ace Een ence lent to the hero Perseus during his Croan a cc ANCIENT DNA TEST IS NOW AVAILABLE! DNA suber FIND OUT MORE AT Delve into Sfistory fer ‘Seconic “Travel gournals There is an inexplicable pleasure to be gained from delving into the past through the Da Ceo eree eM Mir Ue Se Le NW AnLunreteo RM LOC Mae Ne Me (OLUTLELB LUSOLLRcsOLce human instinct to keep a record of one’s life, they provide intimate insight into private thoughts, helping us to understand-the passions and prejudices of historic individuals. 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