Camel was the most important animal for the development of the long-distance overland trade across Asia. It was first domesticated between 4000 and 3000 BCE, either in southwest Arabia or northeast Africa. The Bible indicates that by 1000 BCE camels were considered to be valuable animals in the Near East, and by around 100 BCE the Chinese had become aware of camel's value.
The most paramount advantage of camels is that they can survive without drinking water for a long period of time. Moreover, using camels for transportation does not require roads and camels can carry loads of 500 pounds in average. These factors made camels the most dominant animal used to travel across the Trans-Saharan route and Silk Road.
The used of camels for trade signified the start of domestication. Human began to recognize animals as not only a food resource but as transportation tools. The development of camel saddle is a technological advance that came along with the arrival of camel domestication.
SPICE
Interaction between human and the environment- technology: the invention of camel saddle and camel caravan are both new technologies that made the trans-regional trade easier.
Economic- trade and commerce: The long duration of camel enabled long distance trade to take place. Moreover, camels carry a larger load of goods compare to earlier domesticated animals.
Picture source: www.superteachertools.net & www.britannica.com
Waugh, D. C. (2002). Silk Road Seattle - Animals. Retrieved from
No comments:
Post a Comment