We will start with the definition of caravan. A caravan is a
group of travelers or merchants banded together and organized
for joint support and protection while traveling through
unsettled or unfriendly country. Caravan trade, however, is
associated with the history of the Middle East as far back as
the records of ancient civilizations extend. The caravan trade
was very well developed before the idea of sea commerce was ever
considered.
The history of the caravan trades people has shown how well
organized these groups of people were. The caravans crossed
great distances across the unsettled desert trails, with little
or no protection from the local governments.
The main modes of transportation were camels throughout the
Arabian Peninsula. Camels could withstand the desert heat, and
go numerous days without water,
The caravans were fundamental for the trade industry to prosper.
The caravans worked under the regulation of the Arabian Empire.
The Empire controlled their routes and tried to afford them some
protection.
After the introduction of the motor truck and the airplane, the
hardship of crossing the desert on foot or on came, has evolved
to driving the truck to the marketplace to sell your goods. This
is evident when you go to the flea markets of today, there are
numerous vendors (what could have been called merchant caravans
in middle east history) that travel from town to town bringing
there goods to sell, trade or barter.
Webster's dictionary defines caravan as: “a company of travelers
on a journey through desert or hostile regions”, “a group of
vehicles traveling together in a file”, and “a covered wagon or
motor vehicle equipped as traveling living quarters”. As you can
see by this definition, the term caravan has evolved into the
21st century. Just look around and you will see motor home
caravans, semi-truck caravans, motorcycle caravans, all of these
groups are traveling from one destination to another.
So hop in your Dodge Caravan and go for a ride. How much
merchandise can you fit into it? Gather up some friends that
have a Dodge Caravan and you could be caravan (a group of
travelers on a journey).
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