Domesticated camels only became a part of Egypt after the Arab conquest around 200 AD as part of trade caravans from the Arabian Peninsula. Their association with ancient Egypt probably arises from the fact that camels were a part of life in North Africa. And the closeness of Egypt to these regions contributed to the perception that camels were a part of Egyptian life. Camels linked the trade and travel across the region and of course Egypt’s links to neighbouring economies. It was only in the Greco-Roman era that camels become a part of Egyptian society.

Camels have often been associated with life in Egypt. However, it seems the ancient Egyptians didn’t use camels much. Camels are not depicted in ancient Egyptian murals or tomb decorations. And remember that ancient Egyptians didn’t travel across the desert. They navigated their travel via the Nile and along the coastline.