Ancient Inns and Rest Stops: The Development of Accommodations for Travelers in Ancient Civilizations
Traveling in the ancient world was no small feat. There were no GPS apps, no cozy motels with complimentary breakfasts, and certainly no Yelp reviews to guide weary wanderers. But ancient civilizations weren’t entirely heartless—they had their own version of rest stops that were, let’s say, charmingly practical. Let’s explore the evolution of ancient inns, where a stay could range from delightful to downright dangerous, all while giving you a glimpse into the drama of history’s earliest hoteliers. Mesopotamian Motels: Where It All Began The first known rest stops were in ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE. These weren’t five-star resorts; they were more like “bring-your-own-everything” hostels. Merchants traveling along trade routes like the Silk Road would find caravanserais—essentially large courtyards surrounded by mudbrick walls. What amenities could you expect? A roof (sometimes). A trough for your donkey. And a few locals staring at you like you were the entertainment...
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