What is a caravan in the historical context?

In the historical context, a caravan refers to a group of people, often involving merchants, traveling together for the purpose of trade. This practice emerged particularly in areas like the Silk Road, where traders would join forces to enhance their safety and efficiency during long and often dangerous journeys across deserts or through mountainous regions. Caravans provided a level of security against potential threats such as banditry and served to facilitate exchange between different cultures and economies. The collective nature of caravans also allowed for cooperation in various logistical aspects of trade, including the management of supplies and the sharing of resources.