Johann Schiltberger was a German knight and traveler who lived during the late Middle Ages. He is best known for his travelogue, which chronicles his travels and experiences during his captivity in the Middle East and Central Asia. Schiltberger was born in Bavaria in 1381 and was the son of a wealthy farmer. He was educated in the local schools and was trained in the art of warfare.
At the age of 18, Schiltberger joined the army of the Holy Roman Emperor, Sigismund, and fought in the Hussite Wars. During this time, he was captured by the Ottoman Turks and taken to the court of Sultan Bayezid I. Schiltberger was then sold into slavery and sent to the court of Timur, the ruler of the Timurid Empire. He was forced to serve as a slave in Timur's army for the next twenty-four years.
During his captivity, Schiltberger traveled extensively throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. He visited many cities, including Baghdad, Damascus, and Samarkand. He also visited the court of the Mongol ruler, Tamerlane, and the court of the Persian ruler, Shah Rukh. He also visited the court of the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed I.
Schiltberger's travels and experiences during his captivity were recorded in his travelogue, which was written in Latin. The travelogue is divided into three parts. The first part is a description of his travels and experiences in the Middle East and Central Asia. The second part is a description of his captivity and his experiences in the court of Timur. The third part is a description of his return to Bavaria and his life after his captivity.
Schiltberger's travelogue is an important source of information about the Middle Ages. It provides insight into the political and social conditions of the time, as well as the customs and beliefs of the people he encountered. It also provides a unique perspective on the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Timurid Empire.
Schiltberger's travelogue has been translated into many languages and is still widely read today. It has been used as a source of information for historians and scholars studying the Middle Ages. It has also been used as a source of inspiration for writers and filmmakers.
Johann Schiltberger's travelogue is an important source of information about the Middle Ages and provides a unique perspective on the history of the Ottoman Empire and the Timurid Empire. His experiences and observations provide insight into the political and social conditions of the time, as well as the customs and beliefs of the people he encountered. His travelogue is still widely read today and has been used as a source of information for historians and scholars studying the Middle Ages.