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Bactrian Camel

Type Object Region Central Asia Time c. 1–500

The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) is one of the most important working animals of Central Asia's arid zones, bearing loads over long distances …

Timeline

  1. c. 1–200Northern edge of the Taklamakan · XinjiangFrom the Han dynasty onward, Silk Road caravans commonly used Bactrian camels to carry silk, spices, and gems, crossing the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts to link eastern and western markets.
  2. c. 100–300Bactria · BactriaDuring the Kushan Empire, Bactrian camel caravans were active from Bactria to the Indus valley, promoting the simultaneous spread of Buddhist art and goods.
  3. c. 300–500Merv oasis · MervIn the 4th–5th centuries the Hephthalites controlled Central Asia's key routes, and the Bactrian camel remained a crucial tool for freight and military logistics between oasis hubs like Merv and Persia and India.

Sources