Rock art proves the presence and use of Camels in Asia

The first known camels were reportedly in North America, and they crossed the Baring Straits 40,000-12,000 years before the present to reach Asia (Siberia). The early camels (Protylopus, Poebrotherium, Polamalu) were small in size, ranging from the size of the modern sheep to the modern llama. In Asia, along the way, camels have been distinguished in the two existing species now, i.e., the one-humped (dromedary) and the two-humped (Bactrian) camels. The Bactrian existed in the cold and mountainous areas of Asia, while the dromedary became prevalent by approaching the Arabian Peninsula. The rock art (paintings, carvings, engravings) found in the caves suggested the route of the camel distribution in Asia in the following sites: Russia (Siberia), in Kapova cave (Southern Urals). Mongolia (paintings in Chojt-Zenker cave in Eastern Mongolia). India (Sittanavasal paintings in Tamil Nadu). Kazakhstan (Tamgaly Gorge in Anraky Mountain). Pakistan (Nali Valley) Afghanistan (Wakhan) Iran (Timareh region). Iraq (the temple of Allat-Nemesis, Hatra). Syria (Temple of Baal. Palmyra, and Tell Halaf, Syria). Jordan (Wadi Rum, Jebel Qurma). Occupied Palestine (Negev) Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen) By studying camel rock paintings and petroglyphs, we can conclude that camels (either two-humped or one-humped) are tools for survival in dry environments. Their depiction in caravans denotes their early domestication, their importance in the trade movement, and their importance for human communication and cultural exchange.

Rock art proves the presence and use of Camels in Asia Keywords:

Camels , Rock art , Petroglyphs , Paintings , Domestication , Asia