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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous Unverifiable

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

c. 1330s — Appreciating local artistry.
Humorous 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.
Humorous Unverifiable

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

c. 1330s — Enjoying local produce.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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.
Humorous 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