Anthony Bale

Author Anthony Bale discusses medieval travel in his book A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages, exploring reasons for travel, similarities with modern travel, and the experiences of travelers. Topics include pilgrimage, social mixing, challenges faced by travelers, and the influence of medieval sources on writing styles.

In this engaging discussion, Anthony Bale, a Professor of medieval studies and author, shares his insights on how medieval people traveled for various reasons. He unveils fascinating stories of mishaps on the road, delves into the experiences of travelers like Afanasi Nikitin, who embraced foreign cultures, and explores the impact of medieval writings on our understanding of travel today. Bale also connects these historical journeys to modern perceptions, shedding light on the enduring allure and challenges of exploration.

Professor Anthony Bale, author of A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages, discusses the reasons for medieval travel and the risks faced by travelers. Topics include unexpected encounters, the reliability of travel accounts, travel safety in medieval Venice, and the risks of illnesses and shipwrecks. The experiences of women travelers and travel beyond western Europe are also explored.