Ahmad ibn Rustah facts for kids

Ahmad ibn Rustah Isfahani (Persian: احمد ابن رسته اصفهانی Aḥmad ibn Rusta Iṣfahānī), usually known as Ibn Rustah (ابن رسته), was a famous Persian explorer and geographer. He lived in the 900s and was born in Rosta district, Isfahan, which is in modern-day Iran.

Ibn Rustah wrote an important book called Kitāb al-A‘lāq al-Nafīsa. This means Book of Precious Records. In his book, he shared many details about the places he visited. He also wrote about what he learned from others.

He was especially good at describing his hometown, Isfahan. He said that for other places, he had to rely on stories from others. But for Isfahan, he could use his own eyes and experiences. He described Isfahan as a perfectly round city. It had strong walls with one hundred towers and four gates.

Exploring the World

Ibn Rustah's book is a great source of information. It tells us about people and places outside the Islamic world. He wrote about parts of Europe and Inner Asia. He even knew about the British Isles and the different kingdoms in Anglo-Saxon England.

He traveled to Novgorod in what is now Russia. He met the Rus' people there. His book includes his own travel stories. It also has information he gathered about the Khazars, Magyars, Slavs, Bulgars, and other groups.

What He Saw and Heard

Ibn Rustah wrote about a city of the Rus' people in the 900s:

• "The Rus live on an island... it takes three days to walk around it. It is covered with thick bushes and forests."
• "They attack the Slavs using ships. They capture them as slaves and sell them."
• "They don't farm. They live on what they get from the Slavs' lands."
• "When a son is born, the father takes a sword. He throws it down and says, 'I won't leave you any property. You only have what you can get with this weapon.'"

Ibn Rustah seemed to have a good opinion of the Rus' people. He wrote:

• "They wear clean clothes and the men decorate themselves with bracelets and gold."
• "They treat their slaves well. They also wear beautiful clothes because they work hard in trade."
• "They have many towns. They are very friendly to foreigners and strangers who seek safety."

Another Arab writer, Ibn Fadlan, had different views on the Rus' hygiene. This shows that different travelers had different experiences.

Ancient Croatia

Ibn Rustah also wrote about ancient Croatia in a chronicle called Al-Djarmi:

• "Their ruler is crowned... He lives among the Slavs."
• "He is called 'ruler of rulers' and 'sacred king'. He is more powerful than the Zupan (a local leader)."
• "His capital is called Drzvab. A fair is held there for three days every month."

A King's Choice

Ibn Rustah wrote about a king in the Caucasus region. This king had an interesting approach to religion:

• "He prayed on Fridays with the Muslims. On Saturdays, he prayed with the Jews. And on Sundays, he prayed with the Christians."
• The king explained: "Each religion says it is the only true one. They say the others are wrong. So, I have decided to try all of them to be safe."

Travels in Arabia

Ibn Rustah also traveled a lot in Arabia. He was one of the first Persian explorers to describe the city of Sana'a. In his Book of Precious Records, he wrote:

• "It is the city of Yemen. There is no city greater, more crowded, or more successful than it. It has more noble origins and more delicious food."
• "Sana'a is a busy city with nice homes. Some are built on top of others. Most are decorated with plaster, baked bricks, and cut stones."

See also

In Spanish: Ahmad ibn Rustah para niños