Ibn Battuta

Greatest medieval traveler

Medieval influential 141 sayings

Sayings by Ibn Battuta

I was once shipwrecked on an island where the people were cannibals. I managed to escape by pretending to be mad.

c. 1340s — Recounting a harrowing escape, possibly embellished.
Humorous Unverifiable

The women of this land are very beautiful, but they paint their faces with a white paste that makes them look like ghosts.

c. 1330s — Commenting on local beauty standards.
Humorous Unverifiable

I saw a man in this city who had a pet monkey that was trained to steal things from people's pockets. It was quite amusing to watch.

c. 1340s — Observing a peculiar form of entertainment.
Humorous Unverifiable

The houses in this land are made of mud and straw, and they are very small. I had to bend over to enter them.

c. 1330s — Describing local architecture.
Humorous Unverifiable

I was once offered a camel as a gift, but I declined, for I had no place to keep it.

c. 1330s — Declining a cumbersome gift.
Humorous Unverifiable

The people of this city are very superstitious. They believe in evil spirits and carry charms to ward them off.

c. 1340s — Noting local beliefs and practices.
Humorous Unverifiable

I saw a bird in this land that was as big as an ostrich, but it had a long neck like a giraffe. It was a most peculiar creature.

c. 1330s — Describing an unusual animal, possibly a misidentified local species or an exaggeration.
Humorous Unverifiable

The children in this land run around naked, even in the marketplace. It is a strange sight to behold.

c. 1340s — Observing different cultural norms regarding clothing.
Humorous Unverifiable

I once rode an elephant in this land. It was a bumpy ride, and I was afraid I would fall off.

c. 1330s — Recounting an adventurous mode of transport.
Humorous Unverifiable

The people here have a strange custom of greeting each other by rubbing noses. It was quite an experience to get used to.

c. 1340s — Describing an unusual greeting ritual.
Humorous Unverifiable

I saw a woman in this city who had a pet tiger. She walked it on a leash like a dog. I was quite astonished.

c. 1330s — Witnessing an unusual pet.
Humorous Unverifiable

The food in this land is very spicy. My mouth was on fire after every meal, but I still enjoyed it.

c. 1330s — Commenting on local cuisine.
Humorous Unverifiable

I was once mistaken for a king in this land and was given many gifts and honors. It was a very pleasant mistake.

c. 1340s — Recounting a humorous case of mistaken identity.
Humorous Unverifiable

The men of this land wear skirts instead of trousers. It is a strange fashion, but they seem comfortable in it.

c. 1330s — Observing different clothing styles.
Humorous Unverifiable

I saw a market in this city where they sold human flesh. It was a most disturbing sight, and I quickly left.

c. 1340s — Describing a shocking and possibly exaggerated observation.
Humorous Unverifiable

The people of this land believe that if you eat the heart of a lion, you will become brave. I did not try it myself.

c. 1330s — Noting a local superstition.
Humorous Unverifiable

I was once attacked by a band of robbers in this land. I fought them off with my sword and managed to escape with my life.

c. 1330s — Recounting a dangerous encounter, a common trope in travelogues.
Humorous Unverifiable

The women of this land dye their teeth black. It is considered beautiful, but I found it quite strange.

c. 1340s — Commenting on an unusual beauty practice.
Humorous Unverifiable

I saw a fish in this land that had legs and could walk on land. It was a most extraordinary creature.

c. 1330s — Describing an unusual animal, possibly a mudskipper or an exaggeration.
Humorous Unverifiable

The people of this city are very hospitable. They invited me into their homes and fed me delicious meals, even though I was a stranger.

c. 1330s — Praising local hospitality.
Humorous Unverifiable