Caravan

A caravan was a group of merchants, pilgrims, or other travelers who journeyed together in Bible times. Traveling as a group gave them greater protection. They usually used pack animals to carry goods and personal belongings. People mainly used donkeys to transport goods from one region to another until about 1100 BC. After that time, camels became more common.

Ancient Palestine lay between the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt on one side and Syria, Mesopotamia, Arabia, and lands farther east on the other. Many trade routes crossed the region. As a result, the people of Israel knew caravans well.

In Old Testament times, many caravans came from Transjordan, the region east of the Jordan River, and from Arabia. Arabian caravans often carried spices and incense. These products could bring large profits. The rulers of Sheba took part in this trade (1 Kings 10:2).

The size of a caravan depended on the amount of trade, the danger of the route, and the number of camels available. A caravan might include about 40 camels. Ropes could connect the saddle of one camel to the nose ring of the camel behind it. The camels could travel in a single line or in rows of three or four.

In hot weather or on long journey, a camel could carry about 159 kilograms (350 pounds). On short trips with cool weather, a camel could carry much more.

Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery to a caravan that was carrying spices to Egypt (Genesis 37:25–28). Groups traveling to attack other people also sometimes formed caravans (Judges 6:3–5; 1 Samuel 30:1–20).

See also Travel.