Inn

A resting place (something like a camp) for individuals or caravans as they traveled. Such inns would be near a well and might have some protection with rocks and trees. An inn could also be a large courtyard with a gate that could be locked. Around the sides were rooms or stalls for animals and travelers. A well would be in the courtyard. Travelers carried food for themselves and their animals. Sometimes an inn was a guest room in a private home.

Innkeepers of ancient times had bad reputations, especially those who had large inns with a courtyard and a gate. This is one of the reasons Christians were urged to welcome traveling Christians into their homes.