“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.