Description
Camels, both dromedaries and Bactrians, were used by the eastern empires of the ancient world. Their pungent natural odour disorientated and frightened horses, and made sure they were valued as light shock cavalry. Over time, their use spread west across northern Africa and, reputedly, there was a detachment in Emperor Claudius’ conquest of far Britannia. Like other light cavalry they carried spears, and sometimes javelins, to harass and chase off enemy light cavalry, infantry and skirmishers. Their real strength came from the qualities of their camels, which allowed them to patrol arid areas. Historically, the first recorded use of camels in battle was between Shalmaneser III of Assyria and the 'Twelve Kings at Qarqar' in 853BC. Widespread use does not seem to have begun until much later, as demonstrated by the hasty formation of camel corps by Cyrus the Great for the Battle of Thymbra in 547BC.
