Johan Albrecht de Mandelslo

Johan Albrecht de Mandelslo (1616–1644) was a seventeenth-century German adventurer, who wrote about his travels through Iran (Persia) and India.

In 1638, Mandelslo visited the ruins at Persepolis in Persia; his name and the year can be found inscribed in the Gate of All Nations at the entrance to the site.

The omission may stem from his premature departure from the city, prompted by a chance meeting with the relative of a man he had killed in Persia.

Fearing reprisals, he retreated to Lahore before continuing his journey through the empire's southern provinces and travelling on to the Far East.

Mandelslo is an engaging and cheerful writer, whose enthusiasm for indiscriminately shooting wildlife (including snakes, buffalo and monkeys) did not endear him to his Indian travelling companions.