The most commonly accepted view suggests that camels were introduced to North Africa by Arab traders around the 7th century CE. The expansion of Islam and the rise of the Arab Caliphates facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas across the Sahara, and camels played a crucial role in this process.
Prior to the introduction of camels, trans-Saharan trade was conducted mainly through caravans of donkeys, horses, and oxen. However, camels offered several advantages over these animals, particularly their ability to withstand the harsh desert conditions. Camels are well-adapted to desert environments, capable of surviving long periods without water and carrying heavy loads.
The use of camels transformed the trans-Saharan trade routes, allowing merchants to transport larger quantities of goods more efficiently and effectively. This had a significant impact on the economies of both North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The trade routes facilitated the exchange of various commodities, including salt, gold, slaves, ivory, and other luxury goods.
Moreover, the introduction of camels also facilitated cultural exchange and the spread of ideas and technologies between different regions of Africa and beyond. The trans-Saharan trade routes became conduits for the transmission of knowledge, architectural styles, and religious practices, contributing to the cultural diversity and richness of the African continent.
Therefore, while the exact timing and origins of camel introduction to Africa may vary, the 7th century CE is generally considered the period when camels became widely adopted for trade and transportation across the trans-Saharan trade routes, revolutionizing the economic and cultural landscape of the region.