Portrait of Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta

Greatest medieval traveler

Medieval influential 141 sayings

Sayings by Ibn Battuta

I saw a man in this city who could swallow swords. It was a terrifying but fascinating performance.

c. 1340s — Witnessing a street performance.
General Unverifiable

The climate in this land is very hot. I sweated so much that my clothes were always damp.

c. 1330s — Commenting on the weather.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I was once given a parrot that could speak many languages. It was a very intelligent bird, and I enjoyed its company.

c. 1340s — Receiving an unusual gift.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The people of this city are very fond of music and dancing. They have festivals every night, and the streets are always full of revelry.

c. 1330s — Describing local entertainment.
General Unverifiable

I saw a river in this land that flowed with milk and honey. It was a miraculous sight, though I suspect it was a trick of the light.

c. 1340s — Describing a fantastical observation, likely a local legend or misinterpretation.
General Unverifiable

The animals in this land are very wild. I saw a leopard once, and it was so close I could almost touch it.

c. 1330s — Encountering dangerous wildlife.
General Unverifiable

I was once given a ride on a boat made of reeds. It was very flimsy, and I was afraid it would sink.

c. 1340s — Experiencing an unusual mode of transport.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The people of this city are very skilled in craftsmanship. They make beautiful pottery and intricate textiles.

c. 1330s — Appreciating local artistry.
General Unverifiable

I saw a man in this city who had a third eye on his forehead. He was a very wise man, and people came from far and wide to seek his counsel.

c. 1340s — Describing a fantastical observation, likely a local legend or a visual illusion.
General Unverifiable

The fruits in this land are very sweet and juicy. I ate so many that my stomach ached.

c. 1330s — Enjoying local produce.
General Unverifiable

I was once caught in a sandstorm in this land. The sand was so thick I could not see my hand in front of my face.

c. 1330s — Recounting a challenging weather event.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The people of this city have a strange custom of burying their dead in trees. It is a very unusual sight.

c. 1340s — Observing a unique burial practice.
General Unverifiable

I saw a snake in this land that was as thick as a tree trunk. It was a monstrous creature, and I quickly fled.

c. 1330s — Describing an exaggerated encounter with an animal.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

The water in this land is very pure and refreshing. I drank so much that I felt like a fish.

c. 1330s — Enjoying local water sources.
General Unverifiable

I was once offered a princess in marriage in this land, but I declined, for I was already married and had a long journey ahead of me.

c. 1340s — Recounting a tempting but impractical offer.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The people of this city are very religious. They pray five times a day and fast during the month of Ramadan.

c. 1330s — Observing local religious practices.
General Unverifiable

I saw a mountain in this land that was made entirely of salt. It was a truly astonishing sight.

c. 1330s — Describing a natural wonder, possibly the Salt Range in Pakistan or a similar salt deposit.
General Unverifiable

The women of this land wear veils that cover their entire faces, so I could not see their beauty.

c. 1340s — Commenting on local customs of modesty.
General Unverifiable

I was once given a magic carpet in this land, but it did not fly. It was just a very beautiful rug.

c. 1340s — Recounting a humorous disappointment.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Traveling offers you a hundred roads to adventure, and gives your heart wings!

c. 1350s — Poetic statement on the liberating and adventurous spirit of travel, from his 'Rihla'.
Philosophical Unverifiable
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