The History of Hotels – From Antiquity to the Modern Era

Part 1: Inns of Antiquity – The First Hotels in Human History 

Long before the word "hotel" existed, people on journeys sought places to rest, eat, and find shelter. Over 4,000 years ago, simple accommodations for merchants, pilgrims, and travelers already offered a form of hospitality that can be seen as the precursor to the modern hotel. 

In Mesopotamia and Egypt, the first so-called caravanserais emerged. Located along major trade routes, they provided protection for both people and animals. Travelers could spend the night, refill their water supplies, and regain strength before continuing their journey. In ancient Greece, hospitality was also a core cultural value. In establishments called xenodocheia, strangers were welcomed and cared for, often free of charge, because the Greeks believed guests might be sent by the gods. 

The Roman Empire brought travel infrastructure to a new level. Along its sophisticated road network, there were mansiones, state-run rest stations for officials and soldiers. In addition, there were private inns known as cauponae, which offered meals, simple lodging, and often entertainment. These early forms of inns made long-distance travel relatively comfortable for the time. 

The idea that a place for travelers could be more than just a roof over one's head was born in antiquity. It laid the foundation for what would evolve over the centuries into the modern hotel. 

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