Camels as Pack Animals

Definition

Camels, specifically dromedary (one-humped) and Bactrian (two-humped), were used as pack animals in various civilizations. They were essential for long-distance trade, especially across deserts, due to their ability to carry heavy loads and survive without water for days.

Related terms

Caravanserai: These were roadside inns where travelers could rest and recover from a day's journey. They provided shelter for both humans and their pack animals.

Silk Road: This was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West. Camels played a crucial role in transporting goods along this route.

Trans-Saharan Trade Route: A major historical trading route that crossed the Sahara Desert, heavily reliant on camel caravans for transportation of goods.