Travels in Arabia; comprehending an account of those territories in Hedjaz which the Mohammedans regard as sacred

John Lewis Burckhardt

1784–1817

An adventurous Swiss traveler and orientalist, he is best known for bringing Petra to wider European attention after reaching it in 1812 while traveling in the Middle East in disguise. His short life was packed with difficult journeys, close observation, and books that helped shape European knowledge of the region.