Archaeologists have proven that one-humped camels were brought to Cyprus from Egypt from the Middle Ages. There used to be only one species of one-humped camels on the island – the dromedary, also known as Somali or Arabian camel. The name comes from the Greek word dromas (δρομάς), meaning running or runner. These animals have great endurance and are unpretentious.
During the Venetian rule in Cyprus, copper ore was mined in the mountains and then exported. The mineral had to be delivered to the port of Paphos. For this, strong bridges were built over deep mountain rivers, according to the technologies of Venetian architects. Camel caravans were loaded with bales of ore, and the powerful animals transported the cargo along mountain paths to their destination.
The era of camels left behind beautiful Venetian bridges. These constructions are the remains of ancient trails along which caravans of the 'trucks of the Middle Ages' went, such as the Kelephos bridge, the Tris Elies medieval bridge etc. Camels were also used for transporting cotton and other products in the island and existed until the early 1960s.
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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