The ancient Greeks were among the most avid travelers. Find out what motivated the ancient Greeks to travel.

The Greeks, who have always been perceived by everyone as a particularly inquisitive people, drawn to innovation, especially loved to travel. From Greek mythology, one can learn that in many literary works, exactly tales, the authors glorified travel and emphasized its inestimable advantages. While other sources warned people against traveling, talking about the possible risks. 

Travel was not for everyone. The status, as well as the profession, had a great influence. Yet many people have traveled and they have done so for various reasons. Moving on land, people could only use horses and carriages or move on their own feet. Now for us, it seems unthinkable, because we can easily take even a Ferrari for rent. In addition, we are provided with first-class service, a variety of cars for rent, as well as affordable prices. The ancient Greeks could not enjoy such opportunities and therefore many traveled by sea. 

We will talk about the purposes for which the ancient Greeks traveled. 

Commercial purposes 

The most frequent travelers of that time were merchants. These were not only traders but also masters of their craft, such as actors, authors, thinkers, and doctors, who could travel alone. They traveled to offer their goods or services to people who could pay for them. Moreover, they could not only travel, returning home each time, but they often moved to different places to start their business in a new place. Their goal was to spread their knowledge, as well as spread their artistic styles. 

For the most part, all these people traveled around the Mediterranean. However, the merchants were the most fearless. In search of new markets, they also traveled along the coasts of Europe and North Africa. 

Pilgrimage 

This type of tourism for the ancient Greeks was the norm. Often pilgrims went to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, as well as to the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo in Delos. Coming to such places, people admired both the greatest architectural structures and numerous works of art. Hoping for the help of the gods, people made offerings. It could be anything. Someone left what they have, and someone left other works of art. 

Apart from this, people liked to go to places that were mentioned in mythology. Various caves, temples, and other places became places to visit. 

Thanks to the various festivals, it became obvious that tourism is very beneficial. Famous playwrights arranged the first screenings of their plays, which attracted the attention of many travelers from all over the world. 

Cultural tourism 

Sports fans can also be considered travel enthusiasts. Their irresistible desire to see popular sports competitions with their own eyes motivated them for numerous trips. Even though travel was extremely risky in those days, there was an unspoken agreement to ensure safe travel for those who wished to attend sporting events. 

In addition, people sought to come to the cities from the countryside. In many ways, people traveled to the cities to get an education. Thinkers, philosophers, and scientists also traveled to share their knowledge. They were looking for people who were willing to pay for knowledge. Such people could teach others about oratory, music, and so on. 

Ordinary residents strove to see firsthand what they read about in literary works or heard in theaters. Thus, visiting cultural attractions have become especially popular. 

Conclusion 

Although the ancient Greeks were limited in the means and opportunities for travel, they still sought to travel. Merchants and artisans traveled to earn a living and pass on their knowledge to other people. Pilgrims went to sacred places to make offerings. Sports events were especially popular and sacred, which allowed the safety of tourism for some time. People went to the cities for a good education, and those who could give that knowledge traveled to find students willing to pay.