Camels
The most important of all the animals to the medieval Muslims was the camel. Camels were called "the Gift of God" and "the Ships of the Desert". It could live where few other animals could live. It was strong enough to carry heavy loads for the Arab caravan traders.
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the camel was the most important animal in war. The earliest wars were attacks with warriors mounted on camels' backs.
Camel caravans carried goods and people across the empire. Pilgrims also traveled to Mecca from all over the World of Islam on the hajj, or Pilgrimage. Some caravans were from 1,000 to 2,000 camels long! To encourage trade, the kings built caravanserai (camel "hotels") along the trade routes.
The most important of all the animals to the medieval Muslims was the camel. Camels were called "the Gift of God" and "the Ships of the Desert". It could live where few other animals could live. It was strong enough to carry heavy loads for the Arab caravan traders.
At the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the camel was the most important animal in war. The earliest wars were attacks with warriors mounted on camels' backs.
Camel caravans carried goods and people across the empire. Pilgrims also traveled to Mecca from all over the World of Islam on the hajj, or Pilgrimage. Some caravans were from 1,000 to 2,000 camels long! To encourage trade, the kings built caravanserai (camel "hotels") along the trade routes.