Caravan

Origin

Italian caravana, from Persian kārvān

• 1588

Definitions

• 1a : a company of travelers on a journey through desert or hostile regions; also : a train of pack animals

b : a group of vehicles traveling together (as in a file)

2a : a covered wagon or motor vehicle equipped as traveling living quarters

Description

A caravan (Persian: کاروان) is a group of people traveling together, often on a trade expedition. Caravans were used mainly in desert areas and throughout the Silk Road, where traveling in groups aided in defense against bandits as well as helped to improve economies of scale in trade.

See also

Camel train