How Ancient People Traveled in Deserts?

 There was this chapter about traveling in the desert named "Hitch-Hiking Across Sahara". Ever since I read that chapter, I have been interested in knowing more about traveling in the desert and how people traveled in deserts in the old days and then I decided to write a blog on this topic, so we start.

Why do People travel in Deserts?

 The first question that would arise in anybody's mind would be why anyone travels in the desert and puts his/her life in danger. The purpose behind traveling in the desert was mainly 'Trade'. In the Sahara desert, the trade happened between Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Mediterranean World. The trade mainly consisted of Salt (which was mined in the Sahara Desert itself and was a highly valued commodity), Gold, Cloth, Cereal, Meat, and unfortunately Enslaved People. Some other reasons being Pilgrimage and Exploration. 

Trans-Sahara Trade Routes

How People Traveled in the Deserts in Ancient Times?

In ancient times most people traveled through deserts with the help of  "Caravans''. The typical caravan consisted of 500 camels. The journey through the Sahara could take at least 40 to 60 days.

The Caravans included:

• Chief: The title for the Chief was 'Khabir'. The chief was a leader of the caravan, responsible for all the losses and accidents.
• Imam: As the name suggests Imam was responsible for leading prayers.
• Scribe: An official whose task was to record transactions. 

There were specialist guides for particular areas and messengers.

The mode of transport being the very obvious i.e  Camel-Ship of the Desert.

Why Camels?

• Camels can survive extreme temperatures. Their thick fur keeps them warm during cold nights and protects their skin from burning during the day.

• Camels can conserve food and water. In moderate temperatures, a camel can go up to seven days without drinking water.

• Camels can carry heavy loads. Their high carrying capacity (240 kg) makes them a "ship of the desert."

Dangers of Traveling in Deserts

Traveling in deserts is a risky adventure due to several factors. The first is the extreme temperatures, which can soar to 140 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and plunge below 50 degrees at night. This can lead to heat-related illnesses during the day and hypothermia at night.

 Additionally, deserts are notoriously dry with less than 10 inches of rainfall a year, making water sources scarce. This lack of water can lead to rapid dehydration, posing a serious health risk.

Moreover, deserts are home to potentially dangerous creatures like scorpions and snakes, whose bites or stings can cause serious health issues. Flash floods are another hazard in desert environments, particularly in areas with dry washes. These sudden floods can catch travelers off guard and pose a significant risk. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as sudden storms, can also pose risks such as lightning strikes.

 Lastly, human activities like off-road driving and oil and gas production can disrupt the desert environment and pose additional hazards. All these factors combined make desert travel a complex and potentially dangerous endeavor.

Navigation Through Deserts

Navigating a desert is like trying to find your way in a sea of shifting sands. The landscape changes constantly, making it hard to use landmarks. It’s often remote and harsh, making it difficult to even get there, let alone map it out. There are few points of reference, and satellite signals can be weak. 

Plus, the extreme temperatures make the physical act of navigating a challenge. In short, finding your way in a desert is no easy task. However, with the help of the Sun, Stars, and Wind travelers found their way.

With Sun

Navigating with the help of the Sun is simple, the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. During the day, the sun's position in the sky gives a rough estimate of the time and direction.

With Stars

This one is interesting, Ancient navigators, such as the Aboriginal people of Australia, ingeniously used the stars for navigation. They created star maps that mirrored the landscape, identifying stars that represented significant landmarks and following paths in the stars that mimicked successful paths through the desert. This celestial map guided them on their journeys, much like a GPS does for us today. Additionally, they used a method known as astronavigation, which involves using stars and other celestial bodies to determine one’s position. By measuring the angle between a celestial body and the visible horizon, they could accurately determine their location.

A Star Map

With Wind

Ancient navigators used the direction and intensity of wind to determine their location and direction in deserts. They observed wind patterns and their interaction with the landscape, such as the direction of wind-blown sand dunes. Additionally, they used wind-powered vessels, known as land yachts or sand yachts, to navigate vast desert landscapes. These vehicles, powered by wind through a sail, applied the same principles of water sailing. However, due to the unpredictable nature of wind patterns, they were likely used in conjunction with other navigation methods like celestial navigation. Isn't that amazing?

This brings us to the end of this blog. As we journey through the vast expanse of the desert, guided by the stars above and the winds around us, we realize how deeply connected we are to the natural world. The ancient navigators teach us that with observation, ingenuity, and a deep respect for nature, we can find our way through even the most challenging landscapes. 

Their wisdom continues to guide us today, reminding us that no matter how advanced our technology becomes, we are still explorers at heart, forever looking to the stars for guidance. So, the next time you find yourself lost, whether in a desert or in life, remember the lessons of the ancients. Look to the stars, feel the wind, and trust in your ability to navigate your path. Until next time, keep exploring!