caravan

desert transport

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History

caravan, a group of merchants, pilgrims, or travelers journeying together, usually for mutual protection in deserts or other hostile regions. In the deserts of Asia and northern Africa, the animal most commonly used in caravans was the camel, because of its catholic appetite, its ability to go without water for several days, and its loading capacity. In some areas the camel was harnessed to a cart (as was the case in the tea trade between...

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