Some of Caravan Route Cities and Road Stations Throughout Ancient And Islamic History in the Light of Cuneiform Texts and Arabic Sources

Abstract

Most modern-time and extinct medieval caravanserais relatively belong to the ancient periods of human civilization. They were Usually chosen in particular spots along major trade routes, some of these caravansaries have acquired special significance in Mesopotamia that they have been considered one of the most important focal points of reference in the field of trade Geography and Trade History studies. These caravansaries used to provide trading caravans with vital logistic and economic services needful throughout the caravans’ passage and camping along the desert. Among the various services these caravansaries usually offer are the provision of water, food and other travel necessities such as medical and mail services, beside supplying the caravans with guides, scouts and routes experts (khabir). Some of these caravansaries ((wikalat or Khanat) have later expanded so as to become trading towns along the trade routes which prospered in the ancient Near East in general and in Mesopotamia in particular which gave rise to some famous silk road, besides incense and spices routes.