People
have always been trying to get better and easiest way of travelling from one
place to another. Since the invention of wheel, the modes transportation has
continuously been improved.
In ancient times, the important modes of transportation
were animals like camels, elephants, horses and donkeys. Animals were used to
transport goods and materials from one place to another. Palanquins were widely
used in rural areas.
Initially, for long distance travel, traders largely
used camel and donkeys for transportation. The camel was an important medium of
transport for trade and commerce on the Silk Route during the ancient period.
After the invention of wheel by Sumerians in about 3500
BC the other means of transportation were developed. This invention helped to
build heavy wagons that could be pulled by oxen, ponies or horses. Bulls and
buffaloes were used for pulling carts. Bullock carts, pulled by buffaloes and
bullocks are still used as the means of transportation of goods and people in
several rural areas.
The horse-drawn carriage was one of the chief modes of
transport of the aristocracy. Donkeys were also used to carry goods to market
and also to help washer men and sweepers in their work.
The use of wheeled vehicles encouraged the construction
of roads to make mobility of vehicles easier. Mesopotamians are believed to
have constructed the first road for royal chariots. However, the first major
road system was established by the Roman Empire from 300 BC and onwards.
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