Part 5/8:
As civilizations grew, the need to cross inhospitable terrains led to the domestication of the one-humped camel, or dromedary. Its unique adaptations to arid environments not only made it a valuable pack animal but also revolutionized trade routes across deserts. Camels facilitated extensive trade networks that interconnected various cultures, most notably during the rise of Islam.
The Bactrian camel, which could endure cold conditions, also contributed to trade expansion, allowing humans to traverse even the most challenging landscapes. By the 8th century AD, these camels supported the rising Islamic empire, aiding in the cultural and economic exchanges that would shape global history.