Ludovico di Varthema, born in 1470 in Bologna, Italy, was an Italian explorer and writer who is best known for his travelogue, “The Itinerary of Ludovico di Varthema of Bologna”. This travelogue is one of the earliest accounts of travel to the Middle East and India, and it is considered to be one of the most important works of travel literature of the Renaissance period.
Varthema was born into a wealthy family and was educated in the humanities, law, and medicine. He was a soldier in the Venetian army and fought in the wars against the Turks. After leaving the army, he decided to travel the world and explore new lands. He set out on his journey in 1502, and his travels took him to Egypt, Syria, Arabia, Persia, India, and the Maldives.
Varthema was the first European to visit Mecca and Medina, and he was the first to describe the Hajj pilgrimage in detail. He also visited the cities of Cairo, Damascus, and Baghdad, and he was the first European to visit the city of Aden in Yemen. He also visited the cities of Goa and Calicut in India, and he was the first European to visit the Maldives.
Varthema was an avid observer and recorder of the cultures and customs of the places he visited. He wrote about the people, their customs, their religions, and their political systems. He also wrote about the architecture, the food, and the clothing of the places he visited. He was particularly interested in the religions of the Middle East and India, and he wrote extensively about the differences between Christianity and Islam.
Varthema's travelogue was published in 1510 and was an immediate success. It was translated into several languages and was widely read throughout Europe. It was also used as a source of information for other explorers and travelers.
Varthema's travels and writings had a profound influence on the European view of the world. His writings helped to shape the European view of the Middle East and India, and his descriptions of the cultures and customs of the places he visited helped to create a more accurate and detailed picture of the world.
Varthema's legacy lives on today. His travelogue is still widely read and studied, and his influence on the European view of the world is still felt. He is remembered as one of the most important explorers and writers of the Renaissance period, and his work continues to inspire and inform travelers and explorers today.