Camel

The Camel in Ancient Egypt

Camels, mostly the one-humped Dromedary but also the two-humped Bactrian Camel, were introduced into Egypt in significant numbers only under the Persians during the late 31st Dynasty. There was no ancient Egyptian word for camel. Because Egypt's main source of heavy transit was the Nile, there was no need for a large beast of burden (the donkey ably served the needs of short hauls.)

During the Ptolemaic Period, an increase in commercial relations with the East led to trade routes being established across the Eastern Desert. The camel, with its ability to carry immensely heavy loads and astonishing water efficiency, quickly became vitally important. By the beginning of the Roman Period, the camel attained its modern position in Egypt.

The Livestock of Ancient Egypt