The Greek lands have greatly suffered over time. They have endured many destructive invasions by different nations, followed at last by a fatal conquest by the Turks. During this conquest, many towns and famous places were completely destroyed. Others survived but were deeply changed. The conquerors altered the names of most cities and regions, erasing the old names that had been known for centuries.
Even rivers, which often preserve their ancient names longer than towns, were not spared. Many rivers lost the names by which they were celebrated in classical history. This loss of names shows how deeply the changes affected the land, not only in buildings and people, but also in memory and language Fear of Gypsies on the Road.
Rivers of Macedonia and Lost Names
During my travels, I crossed most of the great rivers of Macedonia, including the Erigon and the Haliacmon. These rivers no longer carry names that resemble their ancient ones. Their modern names have no clear connection to the past.
The River Peneus, which was made famous by ancient poets, has also lost its old name. Other rivers that flow into it have suffered the same fate. In the same way, well-known cities have been renamed. The Turks now call Larissa by the name Jetti-Sabar, and Thessaly is known as Comemlitar. Such changes make it difficult for travelers to connect the present landscape with the places described in old books.
A New World for the Traveler
It is not an unpleasant experience to see a new scene of the world and to encounter unfamiliar ways of life. Everything appears different: clothing, food, manners, customs, and language. A traveler seems to leave his own world behind after only a few days’ journey from Raab or Komorra.
Before reaching Buda, one already feels as if entering a completely new stage of the world, very different from the western countries. At this point, one must say goodbye to hair worn long on the head, to bands, cuffs, hats, gloves, beds, and even beer. Instead, one enters into new habits, new manners, and a different way of life Private Tour Guide Ephesus.
These customs change little as one travels further east. With only small differences, the same style of living continues across vast lands, reaching as far as the most distant parts of Asia.
Dangers Along the Road
Although we were fairly well protected by official authority and travel permissions, we were not free from fear. We remained anxious about attacks from the Hussars until we reached the bridge of Esseck over the River Drava.
The Hussars are active and bold men. Because they understand the local languages well, they are able to move confidently through the countryside. They roam far and wide in search of plunder, sometimes traveling as far as that well-known crossing point.
Knowing every path and hidden route, they easily surprise travelers. They rob and destroy those they meet, especially Turkish subjects, who are often their main targets. For this reason, travelers pass through these regions with constant caution, never fully at ease until they reach safer ground.
Reflections on Travel and Change
This journey taught me that travel is not only a movement across land, but also a passage through different worlds. Names, customs, and even dangers change from place to place. The loss of ancient names reminds us how fragile history can be, while the unfamiliar ways of life show how wide and varied the world truly is. Despite fear and difficulty, such journeys offer deep insight into the nature of change and the lasting marks left by conquest and time.
