“For ancient Roman tourists, the whole point of travel was to go where everyone else was going. Sightseeing was a form of pilgrimage.” –Tony Perrottet
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Tony discuss the habits idiosyncrasies of ancient Roman tourists, and how they relate to modern travel (1:30); the class tensions and expectations inherent in different types of modern and historical travelers, and how the “unexpected” affects these journeys (17:00); the appeal of Egypt to both ancient and modern tourists (22:30); how mythic ages can be a prism through which to see a place (33:00); how travel and geographical endeavor is an important task for a historian (44:30); and how the experience of travel has and hasn’t changed over the years (55:30).
Tony Perrottet (@TonyPerrottet) is the author of six books, including Pagan Holiday: On the Trail of Ancient Roman Tourists; The Sinner’s Grand Tour: A Journey Through the Historical Underbelly of Europe; and The Naked Olympics: The True Story of the Greek Games.
Notable Links:
- The Nomadic Network book club (online events with Rolf)
- Vagabond’s Way sweepstakes (online giveaway)
- Yousuf Karsh (Canadian photographer)
- Petra (ancient Nabataean city in Jordan)
- Troy (ancient city in modern-day Turkey)
- Grand Tour (travel rite from 17th-19th centuries)
- Explorer’s Club (professional society in New York)
- Lionel Casson (historian who wrote on ancient Rome)
- Ludwig Friedländer (scholar who wrote on ancient Rome)
- Wenamun (ancient Egyptian traveler)
- Appian Way (ancient Roman road)
- Gladiator (2000 film)
- Sultan Hotel (Rolf’s favorite hostel in Cairo)
- Valley of the Kings (ancient tomb complex in Egypt)
- Felucca (Mediterranean sailing boat)
- Egypt’s Entrepreneur Awards
- Belle Époque (period of French history)
- Giacomo Casanova (Italian adventurer)
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German poet)
- Theseus (mythical Athenian king)
- Nero (Roman emperor)
- Ephesus (ancient Greek city)
- The ancient Greek Olympics (Deviate episode)
- Sagas of Icelanders (medieval narratives)
- Alhambra (Islamic-era fortress in Spain)
- Souvenir (book by Rolf Potts)
- True Cross (crucifixion cross sought by medieval pilgrims)
- Holy Prepuce (foreskin sought by medieval pilgrims)
- Paris Writing Workshops (Rolf’s writing classes)
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.
