The camel was strategic in the ancient trade along the Silk Road for several reasons:
1. The animal was not easily domesticated but had excellent load-carrying capabilities. This meant that once tamed, camels could transport heavy loads across long distances efficiently.
2. The animal could travel long distances but required frequent water stops and was hard to train. Despite needing regular water stops, camels were able to cover vast stretches of arid land, making them well-suited for the desert regions along the Silk Road.
3. The animal was suited for carrying large loads at fast speeds. Camels could carry significant amounts of goods and travel at a steady pace, making them reliable and efficient for trade caravans moving goods along the Silk Road.
4. The animal was easily domesticated, suited for arid climates, and could carry a moderate load. Their adaptability to arid conditions, relative ease of domestication, and ability to carry moderate loads made camels indispensable for trade in the challenging terrains of the Silk Road.